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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IN THE NEWS with BHS
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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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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.
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November is National Hip-Hop Month
and BHS Honors and Preserves the Legacy of
Jonathan “Wordsayer” Moore
(1969-2017)
Gone too soon.
A major architect, artist, mentor, and ambassador of Seattle hip-hop culture.
The Jonathan Moore Legacy Collection is held in public trust at
the BHS Archives. The collection is composed of photographs,
documents, journals, and ephemera. Our goal to digitize
the collection for broader access is near. In the meantime, make an
appointment to view this wonderful treasure.
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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.
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2024 ANNUAL HISTORY KEEPER MEMBERSHIPS
Photo courtesy of BHS Member William Krossen
Renew your annual membership or
become a new member today…
JOIN NOW in 2024 and your membership is good through December 2025.
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
