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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THANK YOU!
MEMBERS, DONORS, and PARTNERS FOR CONTRIBUTING TO A SUCCESSFUL 2024!
Read the New Year Enews Here.
BHS looks forward to a tremendous year ahead that we dedicate to the memory of our beloved Collections Chair and Board Member, Ethelmarie Hubbard. She gave her all and passion every time for her love of BHS and Black History. Ethelmarie unexpectedly passed away on November 23, 2024, leaving a huge hole in the hearts and lives of her family and friends.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATES
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025 10AM – 5PM
BHS at the Northwest African American Museum
Community event – Free Admission
KING DAY 2025
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 11AM – 2:30PM
Washington State Black Legacy Institute
2656 42nd Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116
Ribbon Cutting and Black History Exhibit Opens
BHS supports Community Collective Archiving.
Celebrate with WSBLI for the recent purchase of their facility.
Read HERE about WSBLI
(photo Roger Evans, CEO/WSBLI)
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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 Comments: Brian Carter, Executive Director/4Culture
…photo booth +more.
*Public Event – register to attend.
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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
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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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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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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
