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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SAVE THE DATE
BHS IN COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
with SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025 at 12pm-5pm
Douglass-Truth Branch Library, Seattle, WA
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Renaming of the
Historic Library Branch
In 1975 the Black Friends of Yesler Library initiated a campaign for a name
change that reflected the community and its growing book collection.
Did You Know that Douglass-Truth Branch
has the largest public collection of
African American Literature
on the West Coast?
Music – Activities – History Share and
Meet the new African American
Literature Collection Librarian
See the SPL Events Page Calendar for More Information
*Scroll down this page to link to a video clip highlighting
Routed in History bus shelter project with partners at
KC Metro Transit +
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BHS IN THE NEWS
Thank you, King County 4Culture
Equipment for Organizations Grant
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BHS was recently awarded funds for the purchase
of in-field recording equipment to support our
storytelling goals.
Watch and listen for what we do.
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ALL THAT JAZZ!
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 during the months of November and December, 2025
and your membership is good through 2026.
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
Now, more than ever,Thank You for supporting
Washington State Black History.
Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc.
is a registered 501 c 3 nonprofit organization.
BHS Supporting Organizations
BHS Affiliations
