BSNM was founded in 2000 by Vietnam veteran and African American military historian Captain Paul J. Matthews and his wife Barbara Matthews. Also known as the Center for African American History, BSNM exists to tell the stories and contributions of African American soldiers who have served in the United States Armed Forces in every war in our nation’s history.

The museum’s collection consists of more than 4,500 items displayed through permanent and rotating exhibits covering seven wars spanning over centuries of military conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to present day. As the premier venue for the subject matter in the United States and abroad, BSNM sees 30,000 visitors annually.

In October 2022, the museum announced an anchor grant of $2 million from Kinder Foundation toward the museum’s $13 million “Ready & Forward” campaign. The grant, along with gifts given by Texas Historical Commission, Houston Endowment, Brown Foundation, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supported the museum’s efforts to repair and renovate the exterior museum facility (the historic Houston Light Guard Armory building).

In March 2025, Kinder Foundation committed an additional $1.5 million to BSNM’s “Ready & Forward” campaign. This gift supports critical interior renovations, expanded accessibility, innovative exhibitions, and the 2025 Juneteenth @ 160 event, ensuring a world-class visitor experience for years to come.

The museum is temporarily closed for renovations from July 4, 2025, through summer 2026. During the closure, the museum will engage the community through off-site exhibitions, digital programming and collaborations with Houston’s vibrant cultural institutions.

Information on page is current as of August 22, 2025. The life to date gifts and future commitments total of $3,622,745 may include other gifts not mentioned above.