In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 20), the birthday of Jackie Robinson (January 31), and Black History Month (February), Rare Books & Special Collections is pleased to highlight examples from its collection of Negro Baseball Leagues souvenir fan pennants. The colorful, collectible, felt souvenir pennants represent leading Black baseball teams of the 1930s and 1940s, featuring large, screen-printed graphics of African American baseball players in action. During the age of segregation in the first half of the 20th century, white major league and minor league professional baseball teams drew a strict color line and refused to field African American players. Shut out by the best white teams, African Americans started their own professional leagues — broadly known as the “Negro Leagues” — that developed into central institutions of the segregated African American communities. Talented African American teams defied discrimination and prejudice to demonstrate the high quality of Black baseball and become an important point of pride for their largely African American fans. Colorful souvenir pennants were one indication of the broad support that top Negro Leagues teams enjoyed. Marketed to fans and spectators, the felt pennants featured large graphics of African American baseball game action. At the time, most white manufacturers and designers ignored African American subjects and did not develop products for African American consumers. Black designers responded by creating these souvenirs with prominent images of African American baseball players, allowing fans to collect and display positive representations of their favorite Negro Leagues teams. Unfortunately, the three pennants on display — the New York Black Yankees, the Philadelphia Stars, and the Homestead Grays — carry no indications about the manufacturer, and subsequent research has not revealed additional information about the companies that produced these souvenirs. But fan pennants are tangible evidence of the enduring popularity of Negro Leagues baseball during the age of segregation. Souvenir pennants are also a testament to the significance of Black institutions — from baseball teams to design companies — in building and uplifting the African American community. This exhibit is curated by Gregory Bond, curator of the Joyce Sports Research Collection. This and other exhibits within the Hesburgh Libraries are generously supported by the McBrien Special Collections Endowment._ All exhibits are free and open to the public during business hours. Learn more here: https://www.library.nd.edu/event/spotlight-exhibit-2026-01-02/

This workshop focuses on sound as a case study in multimedia pedagogy. We think about the learning benefits of engaging with a different medium and consider applications for both assignment design and in-class activities. Participants leave with a clearer vision for media literacy in their disciplinary context, a working understanding of free audio production resources available to Notre Dame students, and a roadmap with best practices for introducing sound into their classes. Instructors with all levels of audio experience are welcome, but no prior familiarity is expected. https://learning.nd.edu/workshops-and-events/2026/02/09/developing-students-media-literacy-through-audio-assignments/

Create your own lucky animal charms inspired by the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Discover the charm of the Chinese zodiac through hands-on crafting! In this workshop, participants will create their own mini charms using air-dry clay, shaping their favorite zodiac animal and adding personal details. Learn a bit about the zodiac’s cultural significance while designing keepsakes you can take home. Learn more here: https://cslc.nd.edu/news-and-events/events/2026/02/10/craft-your-chinese-zodiac-air-dry-clay-charms-lcw/

Discover French culture and taste delicious Madeleines.

Join the Italian Club and decorate your own Carnival mask. Everyone welcome! Learn more here: https://cslc.nd.edu/news-and-events/events/2026/02/10/italian-carnevale-mask-making-workshop/

Visitors will be invited to learn about Kendama (a Japanese skill toy), origami, and nurie (Japanese picture coloring) with the Notre Dame Japan Club during the Culture Fair! Learn more here: https://cslc.nd.edu/news-and-events/events/2026/02/10/tanoshii-origami-and-traditional-toys-lcw/

Traditional Chinese painting stands as one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions globally. This art form employs techniques akin to calligraphy, utilizing a brush dipped in either black ink or colored pigments. Much like calligraphy, the preferred mediums for these paintings are typically paper and silk. Discover the allure of this timeless art during Language & Culture Week by joining us in a hands-on exploration. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of traditional Chinese painting, where the brush becomes a conduit for artistic expression. Join Professor Jincheng Liu for a workshop on traditional Chinese painting during LCW's Culture Fair. Learn more here: https://cslc.nd.edu/news-and-events/events/2026/02/10/traditional-chinese-painting-workshop-lcw-1/

https://fiddlershearth.com/

https://www.merrimansplayhouse.org/upcoming-concerts