The Black Historical Society recently opened its new offices downtown (BHSSD)
Earlier this year I met Karen Huff-Willis, the director of the San Diego Black Film Festival. I came down to the recently opened but still in-progress offices of the Black Historical Society and Huff-Willis gave me a tour of the facility, filling me in on what the finished facility would look like. Well the work is now done and Huff-Willis is thrilled to announce the historic opening of the first museum in San Diego dedicated to the city's African American History.
"We're very excited about the opening of the Black Historical Society of San Diego and Museum of San Diego African American History facility. This effort has been 10 years in the making and it's nice to finally see an African American Cultural Center in downtown San Diego," said Karen Huff-Willis, Chairman.
Downtown San Diego has a rich history in African American culture, including jazz, blues and art, which date back to the 1920s. On Wednesday, the museum had its dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. The 2500 square foot facility officially opens to the public on Saturday June 28 at 11am. The African American cultural center is located at 740 Market Street and includes the Black Historical Society of San Diego's archives, research and genealogy room, gift shop, and exhibition gallery. The museum will feature a permanent exhibit on the history of African Americans in San Diego, in addition to traveling exhibitions several months out of the year. The museum hours are daily from 10am-6pm.
For additional information visit www.blackhistoricalsociety.org or call (619) 232-1480. You can also find information about the annual San Diego Black Film Festival on their website. Congratulations to the BHSSD on their new digs and the exciting opportunities it will afford San Diegans.
