The beginnings of the Gettysburg Black History Museum formed in the 1970’s to improve the declining social and economic conditions of the geographic area spanning Breckenridge, South Washington and West High Streets in the Third Ward, a political district of the Gettysburg Borough.

Currently with a board of nine members, the Black History Museum organization began and remains a grass-roots organization consisting of residents of the Third Ward, pastors and clergyman, non-profit organizations, teachers, a few businesses and volunteers from all sects.