Richard Allen Cultural Center

The Richard Allen Cultural Center is a history museum housed in a historic residence that displays photographs, documents, and military artifacts showcasing African-American contributions to the local community. The building contains multiple exhibition spaces, including a basement annex that holds collections and programming areas.

The building was originally the residence of Captain William Bly, a Buffalo Soldier who served in World War I. The museum underwent a significant expansion in 2002 to create additional exhibition space and programming areas.

The center displays the Black Dignity Photos collection, which shows African-American pioneers who lived in Leavenworth from the 1870s through the 1920s. These photographs offer a visual window into the everyday lives of the early Black residents in this region.

Visitors should pay special attention to the basement annex, where various collections and activities are housed. Military uniforms and artifacts require close examination to fully understand the details and read all accompanying labels.

A bronze bust of Cathay Williams stands on the grounds with an accompanying rose garden. This quiet memorial honors one of the early figures in African-American history in the region.