The buffalo soldiers museum will engage in historic preservation planning to advance collections stewardship and access for preservation of the art, history and culture represented in museum

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers Museum $681,000 on September 1, 2026, under the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program (CFDA 45.309).

The recipient will engage in historic preservation planning to advance collections stewardship and access. The award funds the hiring of a Historic Preservation Access Coordinator who will work in partnership with the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Washington State Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington State Heritage Caucus, the Museum of History and Industry, and Historic Seattle. The coordinator will facilitate completion of historic preservation requirements for the Buffalo Soldiers Museum and the Historic Fort Lawton Landmark District, manage compliance with all related standards and requirements for the relocation to and renovation of the historical site, and oversee the expansion of access to memorabilia and enhancement of the museum experience in five themed rooms.

Performance of work takes place in Tacoma, Washington. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028.

The project supports the hiring of a historic preservation access coordinator for the museum to work in partnership with the city of seattle parks and recreation, washington state trust for historic preservation, washington state heritage caucus, the museum of history and industry, and historic seattle. The new staff positions will facilitate the completion of historic preservation requirements for the buffalo soldiers museum and the historic fort lawton landmark district and manage the compliance of all standards and requirements related to the relocation to and renovation of the historical site. The new location will expand access to memorabilia and enhance the museum experience in the five themed rooms.