The African American National Heritage Society (dba) Brazos Valley African American Museum was built on the site of one of the original black schools in the Brazos Valley. It was the brain child of retired educator, Mrs. Mell Pruitt and became officially recognized and functioning in 1999. The museum opened its doors on July 22, 2006. The mission of the African American National Heritage Society is to explore, develop, preserve and present the cultural history and heritage of African Americans.