🖤 Discover Weston's Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign during Black History Month 2026

The Innkeepers
Feb 1
2 min read

Updated: Feb 2

Weston, Missouri, a charming town nestled along the Missouri River, is rich in history. During Black History Month 2026 discover its diverse past. The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign (BAAC) is dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and sharing this vital part of Weston's past.(baacweston.org)

About the Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign

Founded by jazz artist and historian Angela Hagenbach, the BAAC operates as a standing committee of the Weston Historical Museum. The campaign's mission is to recognize, honor, and promote the lives and contributions of Weston's resilient Black community, whose labor, talent, and industry resonate in historic Weston to this day .(The Community Voice, asalh.org)

What the BAAC Offers to Visitors

1. Weston Black Heritage Walking & Driving Tour

Explore Weston's rich Black heritage through a self-guided tour that includes over 30 significant sites:

Halfway House: A historic building with ties to the Underground Railroad.
Laurel Hill Cemetery: Visit the Colored Section, where many of Weston's Black residents are buried.
Dinah Robinson Courtyard: A memorial dedicated to Dinah Robinson, a formerly enslaved woman who purchased her freedom in 1859 .(The Community Voice)

The tour offers a profound insight into the lives and contributions of the Black community in Weston.

2. Annual Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee

Held every June, the Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The event features live jazz music, African drumming, storytelling, poetry, art performances, and a free BBQ lunch provided by the Weston Rotary Club. It's a family-friendly event that brings together the community to honor and learn about Weston's Black history .(Facebook, asalh.org, westonhistoricalmuseum.org)

3. Museum Without Walls

The BAAC has developed a "Museum Without Walls" that includes:(baacweston.org)

Banners: Display panels placed around town highlighting significant Black history sites.
Blackhawk Walk Memorial: A tribute to the Black community's contributions.
Dinah Robinson Courtyard: A space dedicated to remembering and honoring Black ancestors .

4. Educational Resources and Archives

The BAAC maintains an archive of historical documents, letters, and records, including:(westonhistoricalmuseum.org)

Bonds and Letters: Personal documents shedding light on the lives of Black residents.
USCT Corporal Simon Dayton: Records of a Black Civil War soldier from Weston.
Polly Skinner’s 1861 Lawsuit: A legal case highlighting the challenges faced by Black individuals during the era .(Facebook)

Planning Your Visit to Weston

Weston is approximately a 40-minute drive north of Kansas City. Visitors can start their journey at the Weston Historical Museum, located at 601 Main Street, to pick up maps and materials for the Black Heritage Walking & Driving Tour. The museum offers extended hours in 2025: Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.(KCUR, baacweston.org, westonhistoricalmuseum.org)

For more information or to get involved, contact the BAAC at baac1837@gmail.com or visit their website at baacweston.org.(westonhistoricalmuseum.org)

By engaging with the BAAC's offerings, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Weston's Black heritage and the significant impact this community has had on the town's history.