The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) is set to embark on a transformational year of growth, preservation, and community engagement. With a $1.5 million gift from Kinder Foundation, a Juneteenth commemorative event, and upcoming renovations, BSNM continues to lead the nation in preserving and sharing Black military experiences and history.
Kinder Foundation’s $1.5 million commitment to BSNM’s Ready & Forward Campaign will support critical renovations, expanded accessibility, innovative exhibitions, and this year’s Juneteenth event. Since October 2022, Kinder Foundation’s total investment in BSNM has been $3.5 million.
“The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum continues to elevate how it educates and engages the community,” said Nancy Kinder, president and CEO, Kinder Foundation. “We are proud to support the museum during this transformative time and look forward to it serving as a Houston landmark for generations to come.”
BSNM will host Juneteenth@160 (June 19-21, 2025), a three-day commemoration celebrating the 160th anniversary of emancipation and the pivotal role of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and the Buffalo Soldiers in securing freedom. Key highlights of this free event include:
- Contemporary Art Exhibition & Keynote Address will be held on June 19, 2025, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the University Museum at Texas Southern University
- Living History Encampment featuring reenactments, military drills, family activities, and a Black and veteran-owned marketplace will be held on June 20-21, 2025, from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
- Call to Action Closing Celebration, which will focus on education, advocacy, and storytelling, will be held on June 21, 2025, from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the Eldorado Ballroom
This year, BSNM has also been honored with the prestigious Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston for its commitment to historic preservation and the adaptive reuse of the Houston Light Guard Armory, built in 1925. During the Armory’s centennial year, BSNM will undergo major renovations beginning in the fall. To facilitate these upgrades, BSNM will temporarily close from August 2025 through late Spring 2026.
“Our impact extends far beyond our walls,” said Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, CEO of BSNM. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we will continue to educate and engage, even during this period of transformation.”
As part of its continued growth, BSNM is launching the Marching Forward Together Annual Fund Campaign in March 2025, with a goal of raising $25,000 to support exhibitions, educational programs, and preservation efforts.
Looking ahead, BSNM is committed to expanding living history programs, enhancing collections, and increasing accessibility to deepen community learning and preserve Black military history. With a reimagined visitor experience, innovative exhibitions, and robust archival preservation, the museum will continue to honor and share this rich legacy with future generations.
