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
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU!
MEMBERS, DONORS, and PARTNERS FOR CONTRIBUTING TO A SUCCESSFUL 2024!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025 11AM – 1PM
*photo booth until 2pm
BHS Black History Month at MOHAI
When the Past Meets Your Future:
A Celebration of BHS
Guest Speaker:
Brian Carter, Executive Director/4Culture
…photo booth +more.
*Public Event – Free – register to attend.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Washington State Black Legacy Institute
Beginning February 1, 2025
New exhibitions on view including the long-term loan of
Jackson Street Afters Hours Traveling Exhibition.
The exhibition is property of BHS and companion to the book Jackson Street After Hours that honors the legacy of the Seattle’s iconic jazz scene.
Read HERE about WSBLI
(photo Roger Evans, CEO/WSBLI
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
IN THE NEWS with BHS
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
_____________________________________________________
King County Metro Transit and KCTV
taking the Central Area Bus Shelter Project
to Another Level.
Routed in History was developed in partnership with
KC Metro Transit, Rieimagine Solutions, and BHS.
-supported in part by 4Culture, HCAACD & MOHAI-
4 of 7 shelter video clips are here. Click the image to view.
____________________________________________________
BLACK WASHINGTON
An 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.
CONGRATULATIONS!
BLACK Washington is the recipient of the 2024 AASLH Award of Excellence.
BHS is proud of its ongoing contributions that supports this important resource.
___________________________________________________________________
2025 ANNUAL HISTORY KEEPER MEMBERSHIPS
Photo courtesy of BHS Member William Krossen
Renew your annual membership or
become a new member today!
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
