Black Heritage Society
of Washington State
Preserving our past informs our future.
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 is committed to the importance for documenting the culture and heritage of Black people statewide and welcomes your outreach to discuss preserving the full story of the lives, places, and events that shape this rich history.
Outside the archive BHS is an advocate for recognizing and saving Black heritage sites across Washington. We actively support and uphold the notion that Washington State history is an essential link in the broader narrative that defines the real story of our nation.
Current and Upcoming Events
Saturday, September12, 2026
4:30pm – 9:00pm
The Jazz Walk returns for its 13th Season as the
JACKSON STREET
JAZZ FESTIVAL
Event Schedule and Tickets
HERE
Jazz entertainment at its best across numerous venues along the Jackson Street corridor, history, vendors, food, beer garden, and
PRATT Fine Arts Open House
Western History Association Conference
October 21-24, 2026
Portland, OR
BHS at the Roundtable Session
In Defense of the Black Past:
Preserving Black History Across
Digital Landscapes
Chair:
Dr. Quin’Nita Cobbins-Modica
Presenters:
-LaNesha DeBardelaben, BlackPast.org
-Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, BHS
-Jennifer Ott,
Historylink.org
-Bobby Smith,
Albina Music Trust
FREEDOM PLANE
National Tour: Documents
That Forged A Nation
Museum of
History & Industry
July 30 – August 16, 2026
FREE ADMISSION All Days
Courtesy of MOHAI
*Timed Admissions
Viewing includes original engraving of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill Rights. Seattle is the final stop in the national tour before returning to the National Archives vault.
Collections
Collections Gallery
Showcases artifacts, photos, and stories that celebrate African American history, culture, and contributions, preserving the past to inspire a more inclusive future.
Family Legacy Collections
Honors the lives and contributions of Black families, preserving personal artifacts, photographs, and stories that reflect resilience and generational pride.
Oral History
Captures the voices and lived experiences of Black community members, preserving their stories to share wisdom, heritage, and history across generations.
BHS with Invisible Histories
This project emerged in response to recent legislative actions, such as Alabama’s SB129, which led to the shutdown of diversity, equity, and inclusion departments at public institutions. By training local activists and community leaders to collect and preserve oral histories, IHP ensures that these vital narratives are not lost amid political challenges
Recently BHS has partnered up with NHRS
In March 2024, BHS, a provider of comprehensive mental health solutions through employee and student assistance programs, announced a partnership with ReviveHealth and Eir Partners. This alliance aims to bolster BHS’s mission of addressing holistic health needs by leveraging ReviveHealth’s expansive resources and expertise.
Volunteer
Join us as a volunteer to help preserve and celebrate Black history in Washington State. Sign up to learn more about current opportunities
Donate
Support our mission with a contribution. Your donation helps us preserve historic collections, host educational programs, and expand community outreach.
Partner with BHS
Join us in preserving and sharing Black history in Washington. We welcome collaborations that support storytelling, education, and cultural preservation.
Our Affiliated Organizations
BHS is proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to preserving and uplifting Black heritage across Washington State.
