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 are now open for public access.
*Ask about health and safety protocols as all are subject to change.
Visits are by appointment only on Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm.
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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SAVE THE DATE
CONFRONTING HATE TOGETHER
EXHIBITION OPENS MAY 22, 2024
at the Wing Luke Museum, Seattle, WA
BHS in a joint effort of solidarity with the
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
and Washington State Jewish Historical Society share localized stories and call-to-action to shine light on bias, bigotry, racism, and hate that harms all communities. How do we co-create strategies to combat these issues with empathy and humanity at the forefront?
The museum exhibition is short run May 22 – June 30, 2024 and then converts to a traveling pop-up to reach and engage communities citywide.
What else? Watch for a podcast series and an online exhibition that expands the topic.
IN THE NEWS AT BHS
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~MARY T. HENRY LIBRARY~
South Shore K-8 Library Renamed for Librarian, Historian, Author, and BHS Life Member
Mary T. Henry.
Congratulations, Mary!
Photo: Mary Henry (right) with Carol Peoples-Procter and Gertrude Peoples
at the Library Dedication on April 19, 2024.
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Converge Media is documenting Washington State Black History.
Miss Jessa Thomas, 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Washington State.
Watch the trailer – Facing the Reign – with more to follow soon.
Photo: Queen Jessa Thomas with Besa Gordon for Converge Media.
Coronation Event_Cle Elum, WA_ March 2024
Making history as Washington State’s first African-American Miss Teen Rodeo.
BHS is proud to support Miss Thomas’ reign.
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BLACK WASHINGTON
African American History App developed at Washington State Historical Society.
Tap into Washington State stories, landmarks, and icons.
Guess What? There’s a feature that allows YOU to add to this resource.
Check it out and get the App here.
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Community Landmarks Cohort at BHS
Cohort members with BHS President, Stephanie Johnson-Toliver are
Chardonnay Beaver, Ethelmarie Hubbard, Ariel Paine,
Kennesha Poe-Buycks, and Mercedes Robinson
Also pictured are consultants Taha Ebrahimi, Zola Mumford, and Jackie Peterson
with Taelore Rhoden, Historic Seattle Community Events Mgr.
BHS in partnership with Historic Seattle is proud to introduce the Community Landmarks Cohort. A successful 2022 donor campaign is funding awareness and skills-building for understanding the process to nominate African American heritage sites.
The series was funded in part by King County 4Culture.
Did you know that less than 2% of Seattle landmarks are relevant to
African American history and legacies?
2024 ANNUAL HISTORY KEEPER MEMBERSHIPS
Photo courtesy of BHS Member William Krossen
Renew your annual membership or
become a new member today.
THANK YOU, LIFE MEMBERS!
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
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
