(BPRW) Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia Receives National Park Service Designation

BHMVA Also Receives Generous Funding to Support Strategic Growth

(Black PR Wire) Richmond, VA – The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) is thrilled to announce its inclusion as a member of the African American Civil Rights Network (AACRN), a program of the National Park Service (NPS). AACRN tells the stories of the men and women whose bravery and sacrifices shaped the Civil Rights movement throughout American history and still impact our country today. BHMVA is one of only two sites in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive this important designation, and its selection is a testament to the museum’s role in preserving and promoting Black history and culture and playing a critical role in telling these stories.

Another testament to the museum’s strategic progress, BHMVA recently received substantial financial support from several prestigious donors, underscoring the community’s investment in the museum’s mission:

• An anonymous $200,000 foundation gift
• A $75,000 grant from Dominion Energy
• A $45,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Richmond

This funding ensures that work can continue to transform the original site of the museum, 00 Clay Street, into a center for scholarly research. This project includes digitizing BHMVA’s comprehensive collection of research to make it accessible to the greater community, in fulfillment of, the museum’s goal to expand access to its valuable resources.

“The African American Civil Rights Network designation highlights our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the vital stories of the men and women who fought for civil rights and justice. This designation from the National Park Service as well as the generous support from our donors are powerful affirmations of our mission and the value of our work,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director of BHMVA. “These funds will enable us to continue strengthening our museum as a center for scholarly research, making our extensive collection accessible to the broader community and ensuring that these important stories continue to be preserved for future generations.”

“We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support from our community and funding partners. Their belief in our mission and their generous contributions are a testament to the confidence they have in BHMVA’s ability to achieve its goals,” said Dr. Monroe E. Harris, Jr., president of the BHMVA board. “This support not only strengthens our capacity to preserve and share African American history and culture, but also ensures that we can continue to grow and innovate. Our partnerships are essential in advocating for BHMVA and advancing our shared vision of a more inclusive and informed society.”

Upcoming Exhibitions and Programs

In September, BHMVA will open a featured exhibition, “A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia,” highlighting the accomplishments of Black medical professionals while also examining the healthcare disparities in the Black community. The exhibition will include guest lectures, health screenings, youth programs, and information sessions. BHMVA is grateful for the support of Dominion Energy, Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, CoStar, Markel, Drs. Jill Bussey Harris and Monroe E. Harris, Jr., in bringing this important exhibition and related programming to the museum. These programs will be presented at no cost to the community, thanks to the generous sponsorships and partner support. To learn more about the exhibitions and events taking place at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, please visit www.blackhistorymuseum.org

About Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia celebrates the rich culture of African American people in Virginia and shares their stories to provide a more complete and inclusive history of their contributions to the American story. For more information, visit www.blackhistorymuseum.org. 

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Source: Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia