Staff photo / Bob Coupland
A ribbon cutting took place Saturday for the official opening of the Braceville African-American Heritage Museum, 1250 Cedar St. SW. Annette Watts and Tamara Shavers cut the ribbon for the museum as Terry Shavers, left, and Nelson Toles, right, and others watch.

Terry Shavers, who is among those who led the effort to get the museum established, said the support from the community made the museum possible. The museum is open 1 to 4 p.m, Saturdays at 1250 Cedar St. SW.

Orneill Heller, who was pastor at a Braceville church, said there was such a rich history in Braceville that something should be done about it, so a documentary was made using interviews with older residents of the community.

“The stories I heard were amazing. I thought ‘there are people who do not know about this.’ We decided to go to the elders of the community and document their history and memorialize it,” Heller said.

The documentary is called “History Forgotten And Now For All To See.”

Nelson Toles said he came from a family of six brothers and sisters and all helped their parents and each other.

“Braceville had so many wonderful people whose stories we can share. You could walk down the street and know all the families. It was a blessing to grow up here,” Toles said.

Stacey Adger of Youngstown, who has had a career in television, radio and law enforcement, and serves on the board of directors for the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, shared her memories of meeting and knowing people in Braceville such as Ted Toles and her excitement with seeing the museum.

Adger said the museum is both unique and important.

“Today is a tangible tribute to the unyielding resilience it took to get to this day. The journey from Jim Crow south to Braceville was not just about relocation, it was a pilgrimage. It was not simply a move, but a journey of hope. They arrived in this community and built homes and planted gardens. This museum stands today because they stood and passed on their knowledge. Let this space be a beacon for every child who wonders where they came from. Let this place be a bridge. We honor their courage and inherit their strength,” Adger said.

Vincent Shivers, a historian for more than 30 years, said the museum showcases not only the history of Braceville, but of America as a whole.

“We are celebrating something that is very valuable. Ohio has very few African-American museums. This museum lets you learn the history of this area and is a testament to the people of Braceville,” Shivers said.

The museum was supported by the Braceville Community Foundation and showcases Braceville African-Americans and what they achieved in different fields.

The museum includes displays, artifacts and photos. There is one room dedicated to sports that includes boxer Earnie Shavers and baseball player Ted Toles