Delbert Richardson’s former career as a buyer for Costco allowed him to travel the country. Wherever he went, he would visit antique stores. He loved “treasure hunting,” but not just any treasures. He was on the lookout for artifacts depicting Black Americana.

At first, he didn’t have any particular aim. He enjoyed the search and just picked up whatever caught his fancy. But eventually he realized he was amassing a collection that
included Black dolls, sheet music, and toys, among other items of historical interest. He never planned to open a museum, until he realized his collection told a story about America, and particularly Black America. Eventually, the American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths was born.

A recipient of a BBEF grant, Richardson used his $20,000 to hire an account executive and create infrastructure for the project, which is currently on display at ARTS at King Street Station through Jan. 15, 2022. “I tell white folks and Black folks, by calling my work the American History Traveling Museum, I get a chance to see me in the story of America` history,” said Richardson.

He wants Black people of multiple generations to see themselves in that history as well, and he hopes they will visit his exhibit, as Governor Jay Inslee recently did.

Richardson’s passion project has amassed awards including the Seattle Mayor Arts Award and Seattle Crosscut Courage in Culture Award in 2019, the 2020-21 National Maquis Who’s Who Award, and the 2021 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Luminary Award, among others.

Richardson, who soon turns 67, has started thinking about his legacy, and he wants his project to be preserved for posterity, “No different than the pyramids.” Richardson looks forward to continuing to illuminate the past with the goal of creating a better future for Black Americans and for all Americans.