BUILD HISTORY.
SHAPE THE FUTURE.
YOUR INVITATION
Dear Prospective Board Member,
Founded in 2017 by National Humanities Medal recipient Everett Fly and community leader George Frederick, the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) was created in response to a profound absence: the history of African descendants in San Antonio and the Southwest had never been systematically collected, preserved, or shared. SAAACAM exists to change that narrative.
Our work matters now more than ever. At a time when conversations about history have become increasingly polarized, SAAACAM remains committed to scholarship, preservation, and truth. We believe history should invite understanding rather than division. As historian Dr. John Henrik Clarke observed: "History in the f inal analysis is the compass that people use to f ind themselves on the map of human geography.... Most important, history tells a people where they still must go and what they still must be.” History does not exist in a vacuum. While our focus is the history and cultural heritage of African descendants, those stories are inseparable from the broader history of San Antonio and the Southwest. SAAACAM preserves not only African American history it helps tell the history of our entire region.
To ensure SAAACAM's long-term sustainability, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County partnered with us to acquire the historic Kress and Grant Department Stores in downtown San Antonio. Their transformation into SAAACAM's permanent Cultural Center represents far more than a new museum it is an investment in preserving history for generations to come. Upon completion, SAAACAM will become the third-largest African American museum in the United States. Equally important, nearly half of the building will generate mission-aligned earned revenue, creating a sustainable f inancial model that strengthens our ability to fulf ill our mission for decades to come.
Moments like this come along only once in a generation. As SAAACAM moves from vision to reality, we are seeking bold, visionary leaders who are willing to advocate for history, strengthen our community, and help build a nationally recognized cultural institution. If you believe that preserving the past helps shape a better future, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey.
Thank you for taking the time to review this prospectus. We hope you will consider becoming part of SAAACAM's story and helping write the next chapter of our community's history.
We look forward to seeing you in the histor y books!
EVERY STORY MAT TERS. BECAUSE HISTORY BELONGS TO US ALL!
Some stories are written in textbooks. Others live only in family photographs, church records, neighborhood memories, and the voices of those who lived them.
For generations, many of the stories of African descendants in San Antonio and the Southwest have gone undocumented not because they lacked signif icance, but because no institution was dedicated to preserving them.
SAAACAM was created to ensure that these stories are collected, preserved, and shared with future generations.
Every oral history recorded.
Every photograph preserved.
Every artifact donated.
Every child who discovers their heritage.
Every visitor who leaves with a deeper understanding of our shared history. These moments remind us that history is not simply about remembering the past it is about shaping the future. Because when every story is valued, every person can better understand their place in the larger American story.
IF EVERY STORY MAT TERS... WHO WILL HELP PRESERVE THEM?
BUILDING ONE OF AMERICA'S NEXT GREAT CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
EXHIBITION FLOORS
A Place for Discover y Interactive galleries exploring Transformation, Citizenship, Persistence, and Healing while connecting local history to the broader American experience.
ENTRY HALL
A Place of Welcome
An inspiring f irst impression where every visitor is invited to begin a journey of discovery, reflection, and belonging.
AUDITORIUM
A Place for Dialogue
Hosting lectures, performances, f ilms, civic conversations, and educational programs that bring history to life
CROSS SECTION Designed for Sustainability
Nearly half of the building will generate mission-aligned earned revenue, strengthening SAAACAM's longterm financial sustainability while supporting its educational mission.
EXTERIOR RENDERING
A Historic Landmark Reimagined
Transforming the iconic Kress and Grant Department Stores into a nationally significant cultural destination while preserving an important chapter of San Antonio's civil rights history.
DESIGNED TO INSPIRE. BUILT TO PRESERVE. CREATED FOR GENERATIONS.
OUR IMPACT.
OUR COMMUNIT Y. OUR FUTURE.
From preserving untold stories to inspiring future generations, SAAACAM is making a lasting impact across San Antonio and the Southwest region.
TOGETHER WE ARE BUILDING HISTORY.
2025 IMPACT AT A GLANCE
23,000+ PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Engaging visitors of all ages through exhibits, programs & events POP-UP EXHIBITS
27
Bringing history into our neighborhoods.
EDUCATE
127 COMMUNIT Y PARTNERS
Working together to preserve, educate & uplift.
76
ORAL HISTORIES RECORDED
Capturing voices before they are lost forever,
98 COLLECTIONS ACQUIRED
Preserving documents, heirlooms, photographs & memories
550+ STUDENTS SERVED
Inspiring young minds through education & hands-on learning.
20
INTERNS & FELLOWS
Developing the next generation of leaders.
Providing learning experiences that inspire curiosity, pride & purpose.
40+ SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
153
Sharing our mission near & far. COUNTLESS LIVES IMPACTED
Encouraging reading through stories steeped in culture. BOOKS DISTRIBUTED
By the power of history, culture & community OUR WORK. OUR COMMUNIT
Y. OUR PROMISE.
Safeguarding our community’s stories for generations to come
Strengthening community & building leaders. This
Honoring the past while shaping a brighter future together.
WE NEED BUILDERS
SAAACAM seeks individuals who are:
• Passionate about African American history, culture, and preservation
• Respected leaders in their profession or community
• Willing to leverage their relationships for the benef it of SAAACAM
• Comfortable opening doors to donors, corporations, foundations, and civic leaders
• Strategic thinkers who enjoy solving complex organizational challenges
• Collaborative, mission-driven, and committed to excellence
WHAT BOARD MEMBERS DO
Govern Guide strategy.
Advocate
Share our story.
Connect Introduce new supporters.
Invest
Support fundraising.
Lead
Serve on committees. Celebrate
Attend programs and events.
YOUR EXPERTISE MAT TERS
EXPERTISE
Finance
Law
Construction
Philanthropy
Marketing
Education
Technology
Government
Tourism
Hospitality
WHY IT MATTERS
Financial Sustainability
Governance
Museum Development
Capital Campaign
Public Awareness
Programs
Innovation
Advocacy
Visitors
Guest Experience
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much time should I expect to commit?
Most directors should anticipate:
One monthly Board meeting
One committee meeting per month (or quarter depending on committee)
Attendance at museum events
Periodic fundraising and community engagement activities
The exact commitment varies depending on committee assignments and leadership roles. Is there a personal financial commitment?
Yes. Each Board member is expected to make or secure an annual contribution of at least $500 to demonstrate personal investment in SAAACAM's mission. Contributions may be made personally or raised from other sources.
Are board members compensated?
No. Board service is voluntary. However, approved business-related expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with SAAACAM policy.
How long is a board term?
Directors generally serve an initial three-year term and may be eligible for additional terms as outlined in the bylaws, subject to Board approval and performance review.
Do I need museum experience?
No. SAAACAM values diverse professional backgrounds and perspectives. Experience in business, education, law, finance, marketing, construction, government , philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, history, tourism, technology, and community leadership are all valuable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is SAAACAM recruiting board members now?
SAAACAM is entering a transformational period with the development of its permanent cultural center. We are intentionally expanding the Board to include leaders with diverse expertise, community influence, and a passion for preserving history. New directors will help shape the museum's future, strengthen governance, expand fundraising capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability.
What is the relationship between the board & CEO?
The Board governs. The CEO manages. The Board establishes organizational direction, policies, and oversight while the CEO leads day-today . What if I have a conflict of interest?
Board members are expected to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest annually and whenever they arise. Directors with conflicts must refrain from participating in related discussions or votes.
Is training provided?
Yes. Board members are required to complete about 4 hours of online training at nonprogiftready.org. This training is required within your first 2 months and then biannually.
What happens af ter I submit my application?
The process generally includes:
1 . Application review
2. Initial interview
3. Reference review
4. Board consideration
5. Election by the Board of Directors
6. Board orientation and onboarding
