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 is now open for public visits.
Visits by appointment on Fridays 11:30am-2:30pm. *Ask about other weekday options.
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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UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS
and EXHIBITIONS
SAVE THE DATE
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025 6PM-8:30PM
MOHAI Mercantile Literary Series
Autobiography Book Launch with Carver Clark Gayton
ODYSSEY OF A SEATTLE NATIVE SON
BHS with partners at the
Black Genealogy Research Group
are excited to join for pre-hour community building.
REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE
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COMING TO MOHAI
MANDELA: THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION
From The Royal House of Mandela
May 24 – September 7, 2025
Watch MOHAI and BHS for exhibition and program details.
You don’t want to miss this exceptional exhibition.
A Seattle curated component will complement the exhibit.
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IN THE NEWS with BHS
Cascade PBS – Black Arts Legacies
Finding Gertrude Harvey Wright
Read about journalist, Jas Keimig’s search at the BHS archive to frame a story of community service and love for music in finding Gertrude Harvey Wright, a member of a prominent Seattle pioneering family. Sometimes the archive leads you down a path of inquiry that you didn’t expect and it can leave you with a grander curiosity from where you started. Putting the pieces together is a story in itself.
STORY LINK HERE
-Story by Jas Keimig and the photo capture at the archive by Genna Martin.
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~BHS with Invisible Histories~
Listen to the podcast
Voices from the Archives
with Cari Simson and Elke Hautla
…Invisible Histories intern
Jacob Neville joined us.
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ALL THAT JAZZ!
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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KCTV takes the King County Metro Transit
Bus Shelter Project in Seattle’s Central Area
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-
5 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.
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
