An Update from Our CEO

Greetings Friends and Supporters,

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum holds a special place in my heart and has since its inception. My Grandfather and my hero, Captain Paul J Matthews, founded this museum on faith, passion and admiration. A Vietnam veteran himself, he knows first-hand the sacrifice it takes to go into the armed forces.

Although I do not know what it feels like to serve in combat, my commitment to service is to ensure that this legacy lives on by continuing to improve exhibitions and programming, broadening our reach and expanding institutional and staff capacity.

To do this we must reevaluate, revise and restructure. In the past year, we have expanded our team to include well-educated and highly passionate leaders and historians. Together, we are working diligently on creating a space of knowledge sharing, reflection, healing, and dialogue. Our hope is that guests leave with a sense of appreciation and tell others about their experience.

We are currently in the planning stages of exhibition design, a $2.5 million project aimed at multi-generational learning, integrating technology, incorporating archival research, providing educator resources and training and much more.

To prepare for the newly designed exhibits and the programming that comes with it, we have put a pause on many of our ongoing initiatives such as collecting artifacts and memorabilia, re-enactment programs, and military-inspired art.  Other areas that will see updates in policy, benefits and or protocol include: volunteer and docent training, membership, legacy brick pavers, group tours, annual giving and board development.

I will be working with staff and other industry experts to build out programs and policies that will improve the quality and impact of the services we provide.

In this exciting transition period, we ask that you be patient with us and follow the progress as we grow. I can’t wait until we relaunch and bring back all of your favorites, new and improved.

Ready and Forward,

Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, CEO
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum