The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) it is one of 14 organizations selected to receive a grant from the Virginia Museum History & Culture’s (VMHC) Commonwealth History Fund.

BHMVA has been generously awarded $60,000. The VMHC, in partnership with Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources (DHR), awards grants to history organizations and projects throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia through its Commonwealth History Fund. There are several key selection criteria to be considered for the grants, including the significance of the project or resource, its impact on its community and the Commonwealth, the focus on historically underrepresented topics and communities, and the need for funding and urgency of the project.

One of the largest initiatives of its kind, the Commonwealth History Fund is expected to award up to $2,000,000 over its first five years. In 2023, the VMHC awarded $401,206 to fellow history organizations.

Funds can be used for a variety of purposes including preservation, publications, artifact acquisition, research, conservation of artifacts and educational programming. Eligible recipients include Virginia non-profits, educational institutions, and state recognized Virginia Indian tribes. The Fund was made possible through the generosity of Dominion Energy and others.

“The Commonwealth History Fund continues to exceed our expectations in supporting a wide range of historic preservation projects and initiatives across the state,” said VMHC President and CEO Jamie Bosket. “We remain committed to reaching more Virginians with this wonderful opportunity to invest in Virginia history.”

The Black History Museum preserves the inspirational stories of Virginia’s African-American people.

The museum plans to use the Commonwealth History Fund grant to support the restoration of the museum’s 00 Clay St. property.

“The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia possesses amazing treasures that tell Virginia’s Black history story. The educational value of our collection is priceless. We are grateful for this grant because it supports our efforts to safeguard our treasures and make them more accessible,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, BHMVA executive director.