Every Story Deserves to be told. Every Ancestor Deserves to Be Remembered.
Preserving the History of the Bastrop County African American Freedom Colonies Through Exhibits, Archives and Cultural Programs
Our Beginning Our Future
In 2019, the founding Board of Directors envisioned the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center and Museum (BCAACCM) as a brick and mortar place to preserve an important part of Bastrop County’s history—its Freedom Colonies. Established by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War, many of these communities and their stories have faded from public memory. BCAACCM works to document, preserve, interpret, and share this important African American history for future generations.
Our Mission Inspire the Future
BCAACCM is dedicated to highlighting the diverse contributions of people of color to the history of the United States. Through immersive museum archives, heritage celebrations, educational workshops, and guest speakers, we seek to foster cultural awareness, encourage mutual understanding, and promote greater appreciation of our shared history.
Immersive Museum Archives
Visitors can immerse themselves in Freedom Colony history through exhibits, photographs, documents and other important records. These immersive archives bring to life the resilience and achievements of formerly enslaved people and their descendants.
Heritage Celebrations
Through events such as Juneteenth, Unsung Heroes, Legacy Kids, Walk of Love, Freedom Colony Bus Tours, and other programs, we preserve and celebrate the stories of Freedom Colony residents whose contributions to American History have too often been overlooked.
Educational Workshops
Hands-on programs in traditional crafts - workshops such as Freedom Colony quilt making, Ancestral memory jug creations, Heritage Mosaic creations, Family History story-relling and much more.
Guest Speakers
Insights from historians and cultural educators – family genealogy, cemetery preservation, Freedom Colony German linguistics, Texas Freedom Colony Project founder, Dr. Andrea Roberts, Descendant Freedom Colony Story-telling and more.
Deepening Our Roots in Bastrop County
Freedom Colonies emerged across the South after emancipation. In Texas, however, many enslaved people did not learn of their freedom until June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth). BCAACCM works to preserve the history of Bastrop County's emancipated communities by collecting artifacts and sharing their stories.
Learning Through Culture and History
Our museum and cultural center focuses on preserving the stories of Freedom Colonies established by formerly enslaved people after emancipation. Through exhibits, archives, and educational experiences, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the communities that helped shape Bastrop County and beyond.
Discover the Milestones of Our Journey
Explore highlights from previous celebrations, educational workshops, exhibits, guest speaker programs, and community events that have helped preserve and share the stories of Bastrop County's Freedom Colonies.
Join a Mission of Deep Cultural Significance
Through memberships and community support, we preserve historical collections, expand educational programming, and continue sharing the stories of Freedom Colony families and their lasting contributions.