Black Heritage Society of Washington State

Summary: The first meeting of the committee that was to become the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. was held at the home of Esther and Donald Mumford on March 20, 1977. The general purpose was the mutual interest to preserve the history and art of Black people of Washington State.

Mission: The Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the acquisition, preservation and exhibition of materials relating to the history and culture of African-Americans in the State of Washington. To fulfill its mission, the Society: •Solicits, collects, and preserves family and organization memorabilia. •Prepares and presents exhibits for local special events •Recognizes, annually, African-American pioneers in their fields of endeavor

To support the Society’s purpose and to promote public awareness, the Black Heritage Society held the first exhibition entitled A Preview of a Proposed Museum of Black History and Art in September 1977. Events and exhibits over the next decade included Seattle’s Black Women Writers, Roots, Stems and Roses Festival: A Celebration of Black Families in Yakima, Annual Pioneer Awards Dinner, 100 Years in East Madison, Black Coal Miners in 19th Century Washington State and other milestone celebrations.

Vision Statement

BHS is a premier resource that educates, shares and collaborates with all communities to uphold the contributions of people of African descent to Washington State history.

Become a member today and help support our mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the contributions of African Americans in Washington State. Past, present, and future…we unite them! This year will mark the 48th Annual Celebration on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Jimi Hendrix Park, Seattle, WA. Event details coming soon.

Highlight your organization!

Help Amplify Northwest Cultural Voices

Be a part of our movement to share and celebrate the diverse stories of our ethnic communities

Our Northwest cultural communities have powerful stories to tell. Your support can help us amplify these voices. Donate $5 or $10 today and follow us to stay connected with the latest updates.

Black Heritage Society of Washington State

Help Amplify Northwest Cultural Voices

Share This:

Highlight your organization!

Help Amplify Northwest Cultural Voices