About BHS

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.

Preserving our past, informs our future.

Our History

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. Discussion ensued concerning the geographic scope, fundraising, kinds of articles to collect, methods of collecting, protection of donations, location of a new heritage museum and informing the public of the efforts of this group.

To support the Society’s purpose and to promote public awareness, the Black Heritage Society began its community outreach with a series of public discussions and the first exhibition entitled A Preview of a Proposed Museum of Black History and Art was held in September.  Beginning in the early 1980s the BHS institutional partnership with the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, WA has flourished.  BHS shares space with MOHAI at the Georgetown – Thomas McQuaid Resource Center where the archive is managed. Our partnership supports exhibitions, public programs and education.  BHS remains fully committed as stewards of Washington State Black History.

Leadership

Executive Board

• Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, President
• Carol Peoples-Procter, Vice President
• Stephanie Spearman, Treasurer

Board of Directors

• J. Paul Blake
• Carver C. Gayton
• Gwendolyn Howard
• Addie Marie Jones

Members’ bios coming soon.

Meeting Information

The Black Heritage Society Board meets every 2nd Saturday of the month, except during July and August, from 11:00am-12:00pm *currently by zoom link.

Board meetings are open to the General Membership. Although only members of the Board of Directors can vote at these meetings, the General Membership is encouraged to participate in open discussions.

Annual Members & Friends Meetings are held each year third quarter.