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 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. 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.

Through such activities as the Annual Recognition Banquets, the organization has honored over 100 distinguished individuals, who have made significant outreach contributions to the community as well as, provided support for the establishment of the museum. Other marketing and collaborative efforts have included, an Oral History Project, which involved interviewing, videos, and photographing citizens in the community who are ninety years of age or older. The Just Peace Institute. the George Bush Library and Museum and Foundation, the Brazes Valley National History Museum, the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, the Bryan College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau and the cities of Bryan and College Station. The Society has acquired a plot of land to build the museum. The land, donated by the City of Bryan is located at the corner of Preston and East 20th Street in Bryan, Texas. The site is a significant acquisition because it is where the first school for Blacks was built in 1885. Also, it is located in an area that was once called Freedman Town, where the first free slaves and their ancestors lived. Students from Texas A&M created potential models for the design of the museum. The designs have been reviewed and displayed in several community locations. The groundbreaking ceremony for the museum was held July 13, 2002 at the site. In addition, a major fundraising campaign was launched to build, furnish and maintain the operation of the museum.

To date, the museum has received pledges, grants, endowed funds, donations and other in-kind contributions. The public is invited to examine the artifacts and historical records, participate in school and group visits, and explore curriculum-based trunks, which will also be available for checkout and for use in school programs. Individuals will also be able to delve into genealogical records, attend a diverse selection of lectures, workshops, and performing arts programs and compete in school-based essay contest. The AANHS is at the forefront of creating a museum that is “hands-on” and community-based.

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.

For further information about the BVAA Museum contact: