Welcome,
The Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. was first proposed in 1977 and became incorporated in 1982. Preserving, collecting and sharing the history of African Americans in Washington State are the priorities that shape the BHS mission.
BHS collections are a protected resource and public asset that archives the past and present to inform the future. The Society recognizes the importance for documenting the culture and heritage of Black people statewide, and advocates for saving places to uphold the notion that Washington State history is an essential link in the broader narrative that defines the story of our nation.
Preserving our past ~ Informing our future
Access to the Archive
BHS Jacqueline E.A. Lawson Resource Center and Archive is open for public visits.
Visits by appointment on Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm. *Ask about other weekday options.
INQUIRIES and APPOINTMENTS
Email: blackheritagesocietywa@gmail.com
Resource Center Message Phone: 206 324-1126 x190
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 28647 Seattle, WA 98118
Physical Address by Appointment: 5933 6th Ave S Seattle, WA 98108
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BHS HAS A NEW WEBSITE IN THE WORKS…LOOKING FABULOUS AND COMING SOON. IT’S WORTH THE WAIT!
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IT’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH
AND WE’RE PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE
WASHINGTON STATE BLACK JUDICIARY
AT DOUGLASS-TRUTH BRANCH LIBRARY.
Visit the lower level of the library and see
the installation at the AKA exhibit case for
the months of February – March, 2026.
BHS is highlighting the
Justice Charles Z. Smith Legacy Collection.
Our goal in 2026-2027 is to enhance existing collections with
additional history and legacies of jurists statewide.
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2026 FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP
OPEN NOW
The BHS Scholarship Committee is currently accepting applications from any Washington State high school student who meets the criteria outlined in the Letter of Information.
See and Print…
Information and Application Here
Application Deadline is May 1, 2026.
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WASHINGTON STATE BLACK BASEBALL HISTORY
NEW INITIATIVE WITH SEATTLE MARINERS
SUPPORTING YOUTH BASEBALL,
BLACK BUSINESSES, and NON-PROFITS.
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WATCH THE CONVERGE MEDIA PROMO
SUNDAYS ARE FOR STEELHEADS
The promotion is linked inside the photo taken at the
2026 Mariners FanFest to announce the initiative.
BHS supports and shares the history of
Washington State Black baseball to
enrich the future of our communities.
Learn Seattle Steelheads History
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ALL THAT JAZZ!
NEW TO THE WEBSITE…AUDIO!
NO SCROLLING TO READ NECESSARY.
Not Just Any Trail…Seattle Jazz History.
It’s self-guided whether you walk it or enjoy online.
Jazz Trail Website Here…waypoints and history.
Watch a Converge Media production
archived at Back2Besa on FOX13.
Click the photo for a teaser.
International Sweethearts_at Black & Tan Club_1944
MOHAI Al Smith Collection
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KCTV takes the King County Metro Transit
Bus Shelter Project in Seattle’s Central Area
to another level.
Routed in History was developed in partnership with
KC Metro Transit, RieImagine Solutions, and BHS.
-supported in part by King County 4Culture, HCAACD & MOHAI–
5 of 7 shelter video clips are here. Click the image to view.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY.
Photo courtesy of William Krossen
Renew your annual membership or
become a new member.
Your membership sustains the archive and supports community outreach.
Membership levels available.
You can join now on the website or by mail:
Black Heritage Society of Washington State
P. O. Box 28647
Seattle, WA 98118
NEW LIFE MEMBERS, WE SEE YOU!
AND…
THE GENEROUS DONORS WHO ARE
MAKING BHS BETTER AND STRONGER, THANK YOU!
Now, more than ever, your support to preserve true
Washington State Black History is a contribution to
the broader understanding that Black History Matters.
Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc.
is a registered 501 c 3 nonprofit organization.
BHS Supporting Organizations
BHS Affiliations
