Our Mission
The BF Graves Funeral Home Records represent one of St. Joseph’s most significant and fragile historical timelines—an archive that documents not only the lives of individuals, but the story of an entire community. Preserving these records is an act of stewardship, memory, and cultural responsibility. They offer a rare window into African American history in Northwest Missouri, a history that has often been under‑documented, overlooked, or lost to time. By safeguarding these materials, the St. Joseph Museums ensures that future generations can access, study, and honor the lives of those who shaped our city.
Individual Records
For decades, BF Graves Funeral Home served as a cornerstone institution for Black families in St. Joseph. At a time when segregation limited access to many services, BF Graves provided dignified care, compassionate support, and a trusted presence during moments of profound grief. The records kept by the funeral home—ledgers, obituaries, service notes, correspondence, and memorial materials—capture the names, stories, and traditions of thousands of individuals whose lives contributed to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the region. These documents are more than administrative records; they are evidence of resilience, community networks, and the ways families cared for one another in the face of systemic inequality.
Reach Out to Us
We welcome you to contact us for further information about our records, initiatives, or how you can support our mission to preserve these important stories.