The Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. Impacts History throughout The Puget Sound Area:

The Heritage Park located at 20th and East Madison/Olive, Seattle, Washington includes a bronze plaque embedded permanently in a stone wall which reads:

“Dedicated to Pioneer African Americans who lived, established, owned and managed businesses in the East Madison District prior to World War II. Courtesy of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc., Oct. 2000.”

The Park project, a community partnership sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, is a small but charming area with landscaping, circular walkways and stone benches.

The Society was commissioned to provide photographs for the interior of the John C. Cannon Retirement and Assisted Living Residence. The photographs from BHS’ collection depict African Americans in the Central Area. This marvelous collection of historical pictures are located on first and second floors of the facility. You are encouraged to visit the Cannon House and view these pictures.

The Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc., has provided photographs and images for the new City Hall "ethnic wall" in Seattle. The wall will depict a large number of images, including faces of people in Seattle from different professions and time periods. Beliz Brother, noted artist for the art work at new City Hall in Seattle, recently stated that "culture implies that we both remember what has happened in the past and look forward to the possibilities of the future-Culture is also about the soul, the heart and the heritage of our city..." The new City Hall will open during July, 2003. .

Plans are currently being made for the first major public exhibition of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State’s Collection to be presented at the Museum of History and Industry(MOHAI) from October 2003 through January 2004.

The Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc., in partnership with the University of Washington Library, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), and nine local racially diverse historical groups, is working together to create an on-line source of images (photographs) from their collections. These images will be available for the use of researchers, teachers, and school children. BHS has selected approximately 180 photographs from their collection for this exciting project.

The first annual Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. Student Academic Scholarship was established this year. The scholarship, provided by Cathern P. Davis Flory, is dedicated in the memory of her mother, Manima Wilson Davis. Manima is believed to be the first African American female to graduate from the University of Washington, receiving a five year Normal Diploma and a BA in Education. The scholarship amount is $2,000.00. Providing scholarships for students will be on-going.

The new Black Heritage Society Web site and new logo was previewed at the 2003 annual dinner meeting. The web site has been developed and will be maintained by the Black Heritage Society.

In keeping with its mission, the Black Heritage Society collects Washington state African-American family and organization historical memorabilia such as letters, photographs, documents, obituaries, small three-dimensional items, photograph albums, vintage clothing, and scrapbooks.

The Black Heritage Society has a written agreement with the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). With this agreement, the Society is able to preserve and store its collection at the MOHAI facilities in Seattle, Washington.

The items in this collection date from the earliest local African-American residents in the 1840s to the present date. Collecting and preserving these historical heritage items is a continuing endeavor.

The Black Heritage Society of Washington looks forward to coming years of increased membership, renewed general membership activity, and expanded community participation in its endeavor to continue to increase its valuable heritage collection. The collection safely preserved and archived, with appropriate procedures for recording and acknowledging donations, and with a systematized method of inventory and control. The Black Heritage Society is confident that our ultimate goal of a Museum to recognize the heritage and history of African Americans in the State of Washington is now in our sights.

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