Yesterday was Veterans Day and I was given the opportunity to spend a good part of it with so many service women and men. Not only were we there showing gratitude for their sacrifices and service for this country, but yesterday was a big day for the museum itself. There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a dedication ceremony too! I’ve blogged about the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum before, but this event was different.
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum was founded in the year 2000 by a Vietnam veteran and African American military historian, Captain Paul J. Matthews. What started off as a post-retirement project has now become a world-renowned history institution. The museum was first located on Southmore, but moved to the Armory on Caroline shortly thereafter. The 3-story building holds so many pieces of history, and it has grown immensely because of the steady support from veterans and the community. The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is a proud member of the Houston Museum District. It’s the only Museum dedicated primarily to preserving the legacy and honor of the African-American soldier, in the United States of America. The museum is also a proud member of the Greater Houston Conventions and Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Houston Partnership.
Saturday’s event also served as a “passing of the torch” in regards to the leadership of the museum. Captain Matthews stepped down in his role and as director and passed the baton to Executive Director of the Buffalo Soldier National Museum, Desmond Bertrand-Pitts…who just so happens to be his grandson. Most folks only pass down historical stories and memorabilia to their families, but Captain Matthews wanted to do more. He wanted to make sure that everyone would know the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, and for that I’m forever grateful.
The building is divided into 3 floors, the ground floor housing most of the exhibits, the second one is often used as an event hosting space and the Officer’s Club is on the third floor. I thought I’d visited everything when I was at the grand opening of the club, but they’ve opened more since then! Today was truly one for the books. Donations were made, great speeches were given and our local leaders showed up and showed love too. Houston mayor Sylvester Turner was there as well as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. It was truly great to be in their presence, but the show stealers were the Buffalo Soldiers who were there in uniform. They shared stories and songs, and there were even multiple reenactments throughout the day.
Today was truly one for the books and I look forward to taking one of my favorite veterans, my daddy, to the museum so he can see all of the new exhibits and everything it has to offer. In fact, I encourage you guys to do the same!