This national museum is dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers

The Center for African American Military History (CAAMH), inc., otherwise known as the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM), is dedicated to exploring and displaying the stories and contributions of African Americans in the military by way of performing and visual arts, educational programming and exhibitions.

Their hope is to extend public knowledge of the achievements of all the nation’s African American armed forces personnel to the general public thus building pride and patriotism throughout all of the communities they serve. BSNM educates, preserves, promotes, and perpetuates the history, tradition and outstanding contributions of the Buffalo Soldier towards the development and defense of America from The Revolutionary War to the present.

WATM had the opportunity to sit down with BSNM's CEO, Desmond Bertrand-Pitts to learn about how the museum started and where it's heading.

I’ve actually been a part of the museum since its conception. It’s a family business; my grandfather is the founder. I didn’t really think of myself being in this position as a career (laughs). I tell people I was voluntold, so, I didn’t have a choice at the time. I volunteered for years. I have been in this position for five years now. It was a decision I made, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. At the time we moved into a new building, at that time things were moving really fast. So, I kind of told myself ‘Hey, this is what I think I can do. I think I can grow the museum in these certain ways,’ and it took off from there. I was a business director for seven months and then this position became available then I threw my hat in the race.

Attendees can expect to get a wholistic view of the African American military experience -- from the Revolutionary War to present day. There is something everybody can connect with no matter background, ethnicity, socio-economic status, there is something everyone can identify with. We even have a children’s room now. It’s something for every age and a multi-generational approach to providing history.

Various ways... one good way is to donate. Donate their time, we need active people who love and appreciate history and give some of that knowledge to guests that attend. We welcome them to the museum. [They can] participate in programs, new exhibitions, we have a membership program as well. Several different levels from individual to family to benefactor and we’re coming out with a young professional’s group as well. There are multiple ways you can get involved here.

Like I always say, even though it’s cliché, is thank you for your service. The work we do here is to make sure people know the sacrifice veterans make for this country. We want to continue to share those stories and make sure people do not forget. [For them] to leave here with a new found appreciation for the sacrifices men and women in uniform make. Thank you again for your service.

For me, it’s get some rest at some point (laugh). Also for the museum, we launched a $5 million campaign in 2020. Everything we do has to do with something that is going to take us on our path forward. We have four different program pillars we’re working on a strategic plan moving forward. I think 2020 taught us a lot. It taught us to restructure, strategize, rethink, a lot of the processes we had in place prior to the pandemic because things can change at the drop of a dime. In literally the timespan of a week, everything changed. It has given us time to rethink and retool and take the museum into the next phase of our journey. [The museum celebrated 20 years in 2021.] So, now we’re looking ahead to the next 20 years, which gives me a little anxiety, but it’s good to think ahead and have a plan in place.

The one question that we always get is, ‘Why do they call them Buffalo soldiers?’ The term came from the Cheyenne Native Americans. They say the fierce, courageous, fighting spirit that those men had. They attributed that to being that of the Buffalo. Also, the coarse hair, things of that sort made them think of the Buffalo. That’s where the name came from.

The Outdoor Exploration Program features monthly outdoor exploration activities for youth ages 10-17. This includes camping, hiking, fishing, horsemanship training and exploring historical sites. This program is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

BSNM offers a wide variety of ongoing events and activities. Our programs are open to the public throughout the year and feature learning workshops and family-friendly activities designed to inform, educate, and entertain.

History painting party, led by an Artist. Occasional live model of a Soldier, or artifact from our collection. Intended audiences will vary but youth 11-17, Adults 21 and older, veterans and seniors

Part of our mental health matters initiative, these sessions will focus on the mind, spirit and wholeness.

This program is designed to get seniors and vets moving and active. We intend to create a holistic approach to wellness by working with community partners to provide classes and workshops to our audience.

To learn more about the museum, visit their website.