Black History Museum to Close, Reopen Next Year at the Armory

Harry Kollatz reports in this month’s Richmond Magazine that the Black History Museum will be closing this summer in preparation for it’s move a renovated Leigh Street Armory next year. 

The upfit of the armory by Richmond’s BAM architects will include a green-roofed addition and a total of 22,000 square feet. A small plaza along St. Peter Street will allow for outdoor receptions and other events. The annual budget should double to $600,000 a year, (Board chairman) Burrs says, allowing the staff to grow from three to at least seven. Burrs intends for the armory alone to open in 2013. 

 Plans are to raise $5,000,000 to complete construction (including $1.9 million in tax credits) and $3 million for the endowment fund.  There’s no word on exactly how much has been raised, but they are seeking donations from donors large and small.