Paul Stewart (historian) facts for kids
Paul Wilbur Stewart (born December 18, 1925 – died November 12, 2015) was an American historian. He is famous for starting the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center in 1971. This museum helps people learn about the important history of African Americans in the American West.
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Early Life and Work
Paul Stewart was born in Clinton, Iowa. After finishing high school, he joined the United States Navy. Later, he moved to Evanston, Illinois, with his brother.
Stewart worked at a post office while studying at Roosevelt University. He left college to help his brother pay for school. Stewart then became a barber. He worked in Illinois, Wisconsin, and New York.
Starting the Museum
In 1962, Paul Stewart moved to Denver, Colorado. He opened his own barber shop there. Soon after, he started collecting items from the Old West. His customers helped him find many interesting things.
His collection grew very large. It became too big for one place. The collection moved several times over the years.
The Museum's Journey
In 1971, Stewart officially opened the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center. It was first located at 221 24th Street. After a year, it moved to East Colfax Avenue and Detroit Street.
In 1975, the museum moved again to the Clayton School for Boys. Then, in 1985, it found a new home in the Five Points neighborhood. This spot was on 26th and Welton Streets.
Finally, in 1988, the museum bought its permanent home. This was the Justina Ford residence on California Street.
What the Museum Teaches
The Black American West Museum is special. It is known as the only museum of its kind in the world. It shows the history of African Americans moving to the West.
The museum has many artifacts and pictures. You can learn about cowboys, farmers, and miners. It also features Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen. These were brave African American soldiers and pilots.
There is also a special exhibit about Justina Ford. She was a doctor who lived in the museum's building.
Paul Stewart's Heritage
Paul Stewart was of African American and Cherokee descent. He had a cousin named Earl Mann. Earl Mann was a politician who served in the Colorado House of Representatives.
Paul Stewart was married to Johnnie Mae Davis. They were married from 1986 until his death in 2015. He passed away in Aurora, Colorado.
