TOURS AND POETRY >>>

The Buffalo Soldiers Museum in Tacoma preserves the artifacts and history of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry - all-African-American cavalry units that served in America's wars from 1866 through the end of WWII. They participated in cross-country cattle drives, escorted wagon trains and stagecoaches through often volatile territories of the Wild West and fought in the Spanish-American War and both world wars. The museum was founded by Buffalo Soldier William Jones of Tacoma.

"Before Mr. Jones died in 2007 he had already amassed quite a few relics from other Buffalo Soldiers and a large quantity of printed materials, in order to start his museum," says Lynn Di Nino, local artist and friend of the museum. "Of course he belonged to the national organization and attended their reunions every year."

The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, or by appointment.

Saturday, Jan. 26 the Buffalo Soldiers Museum will host its first open house, welcoming everyone in to learn and explore. Local poet Elijah Muied will be on tap with a reading of a work inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Muied's poems have been published in "Threads" and he has showcased his work at his own open mic events as well as multi-poet happenings such as Hope in Hard Times at WSHM.

There will also be refreshments and tours of the museum. The open house is free. Come one, come all.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS MUSEUM, SATURDAY, JAN. 26, NOON TO 4 P.M., FREE, 940 S. WILKESON ST., TACOMA, 253.272.4257