Last updated: 4/6/2012
Bryan, Texas
Address
500 E. Pruitt St.
Bryan, TX 77803
phone: 979-775-3961
e-mail: bvaam@verizon.net
web: www.bvaam.org

Hours

Monday
closed
Tuesday - Friday
10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday
2 PM - 5 PM

Admissions

Adults $5.00 Senior Citizens $4.00
Students $2.00
Children 5 and under Free

Staff

Donna Pittman
phone: 979-775-3961
Velma Spivey
phone: 979-775-3961
Wayne Sadberry
phone: 979-775-3961
Description

More than fifty years ago, Mell Pruitt, currently a retired school teacher in Bryan began to collect and search out information on African Americans in the Brazos Valley. The small gathering of articles and photographs grew into an extensive collection about the history of African Americans in the Brazos Valley and beyond. In 1999 the African American National Heritage Society (AANHS) was founded in an effort to raise funds for the future construction of a museum to house the collection.

The museum will chronicle the tragedies and triumphs of African American life from ancient civilizations to the present day. In addition, the museum will focus on local histories such as churches, families, and schools. The society is committed to maintaining the integrity of black art and artifacts. A significant objective of the museum is to portray, specifically to the younger generation, the strong foundation, struggles, and accomplishments of their ancestors. Portable displays, featuring several of the artifacts, have been taken to local schools and displayed in other public areas.

The museum open it doors on July 22, 2006. With continued determination and the support of the community the museum will stand as a place where people will learn about the past and about the potential for the future.

History

The Society is a 501(c) 3 organization and received its charter from the State of Texas, October 14, 1999. Current corporate officers of the Board of Directors include Mell Pruitt, Chair and CEO, Shirley Peyton, Vice Chair, Bill Page, Secretary, Effie Perry, Treasurer, Dr. Wendell Davis, Chair of Building Committee, and Willie Pruitt, Vice Chair of Building Committee. The mission of the society is to explore, develop, preserve, and present the cultural history and heritage of African Americans. With the support of many individuals and organizations, the society raised over $700,000 for its construction.

ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

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February 2 - 6, 2025

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Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

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Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

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2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

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2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

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