Black History Month: Explore new exhibits, discover roots at Brazos Valley African American Museum

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Thursday marked the start of Black History Month. It’s dedicated to honoring the African Americans pioneers who’ve created change in the United States and beyond.

One place to celebrate locally is the Brazos Valley African American Museum. It’s filled with a variety of exhibits, artifacts and resources to learn about national and local figures.

Two figures who’ve left their stamp in the Brazos Valley are Mell and Willie Pruitt. The couple founded the museum, which opened in 2006.

The museum’s board chair, Mildred Davis, said it continues to make an impact.

“It means a lot to us because people celebrate us when they enter the doors and hear the stories of the ancestors, the founders and the things that are on display, old and new,” Davis said.

The museum will feature new exhibits in February on civil rights and the Cold War. In addition, the museum has updated its Growing Up in the Brazos Valley exhibit with more current figures.

An older exhibit Davis loves to highlight is named History of African American Education and Notable Educators in the Brazos Valley.

Willie A. Tarrow is featured in the exhibit. He’s was the principal of Lincoln High School and is the namesake of Tarrow Street in College Station.

Former principal Wendell Davis is also featured in the exhibit. He worked with the museum’s founders to secure the property.

Along with learning about influential figures, The African American Museum can help you learn more about yourself through the Pruitt-Sadberry Genealogy Family History Search Program. It’s a free service that connects people to their family history.

The museum, which is now a FamilySearch affiliate library, partners with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide the service.

Appointments can be booked here.

The museum is offering free admission for the month of February. It’s open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

“The African American Museum at 500 East Pruitt is a place for all,” Davis said.

To stay up-to-date with the museum, click here.

Its 23rd Annual Appreciation Banquet is February 24 at the Hilton College Station. It starts at 6 p.m., and the theme is African Americans and the Arts.

More details can be found here.