The Buffalo Soldiers Museum proudly offers complementary American History educational tours emphasizing American military history and service spanning the years 1863 to 1944. These tours serve as an engaging alternative learning experience to supplement the fulfillment of the Washington State Social Studies Learning Standards for U.S. History, particularly tailored for 5th, 8th and 11th Grade students. Tours are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday throughout the academic year.
Our immersive 2-hour interactive tours guide students through the five thematic eras of the Buffalo Soldier experience, fostering an interactive and enriching learning environment that spans the journey of African American soldiers from slavery to the present day.
The Buffalo Soldiers Museum comprises of five rooms that chronicle 75 years of history outlining the historical events following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, when Congress enacted laws allowing freed slaves to join the military. The tour begins with a concise introduction and video highlighting the origins of the Buffalo Soldiers. Progressing chronologically, the guided exploration though the museum reveals the dates, times, and events through 1944. Throughout the tour, students utilize:
- Hands-on Exploration: Students will see, touch, and gain a deeper understanding of the museum’s collection of historical artifacts.
- Critical Thinking Exercises: Several “What do you see, what do you wonder” experiences will prompt students to articulate and discuss significant themes surrounding specific artifacts.
- Interactive Discussions: “Turn and Talk” interludes will stimulate student participation, encourage feedback, and reinforce their learning.
- Historical Milestones: The tour will examine U.S. and Washington state historical events that occurred between 1863-1944.
- Analysis of Legacy: Students will analyze the enduring legacy of governmental marginalization of Native Americans and African Americans, exploring the unique relationship that developed during the Buffalo Soldier era.
- Relevance to Today: The tour encourages students to articulate how the daily activities and behaviors of this period of history relate to their lives today, fostering connections to the past.
The Buffalo Soldier Museum Tour aspires to enhance awareness regarding the significant individual and collective contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers in both Washington state and U.S. History, establishing meaningful connections between the past and the present.
