After months of grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the building that the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington (BHMA) had called home was sold. With rising rents and few empty retail spaces, the BHMA faced an uncertain future. The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) stepped in to help.

“It is important to us that the museum remains on Columbia Pike for as long as possible,” says CPRO Executive Director Kim Klingler. “We have such a rich, diverse history in Arlington, and especially on the Pike. It is important to tell those stories and the Black Heritage Museum does an amazing job keeping that history alive.”

With CPRO’s staff working from home since the start of the pandemic, their offices seemed like the perfect fit and the BHMA quickly got to work setting up their gallery space in the lobby area of the offices at 2611 Columbia Pike.

“It is critical that our history remain in the minds of everyone in the community and that we have a safe space that gives us the freedom to discuss and exhibit that history without watering it down,” says BHMA Director and President Scott Taylor. “We are so grateful to CPRO for allowing us that safe space.”

The new location, however, is not a permanent home. With a wave of new construction coming to Columbia Pike, the building is scheduled to be redeveloped in the next year. While BHMA continues to search for its “forever home” it is excited to be reopening now.

“We have been dreaming about a reopening for months now since our abrupt move and the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Taylor. “We are looking forward to seeing our loyal supporters again, and first time visitors as well, sharing our stories and displaying Arlington’s rich African American history.”

The museum will be open to the public on Thursdays from 3 to 6 pm and Saturdays from 2 to 5 pm or by appointment. The museum says it will be opening at 50% capacity and following all CDC guidelines for timed visits that allow for social distancing.

For more information, or to book an appointment, email info@arlingtonblackheritage.org.