Ontario museum exhibit pays tribute Buffalo Soldiers, trailblazing US Army servicemembers

ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- An exhibit dedicated to the first African American soldiers to join the U.S. Army is on display at the Ontario Museum of History and Art.

The exhibit coincides with Black History Month and focuses on the men who were known as "buffalo soldiers."

"We're truly excited to have this exhibition on board," said Samantha Herrera, a spokesperson for the Ontario Museum of History and Art. "Normally don't have a lot of history exhibits that branch out into the African American community."

The history of Buffalo Soldiers goes back to the Civil War, when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

"There was a shortage of manpower," said Fernando Lopez. "Many enslaved African Americans in the South went across to Union lines."

There are dozens of photographs on display at the museum, as well as several artifacts including replica uniforms and a genuine harness worn by a buffalo soldier nearly a century ago.

"The term "buffalo soldier" itself comes from more of a legend and a myth," said Herrera. "Native Americans saw them in their large thick winter coats, and their hair resembled that of a buffalo."

Buffalo soldiers fought in the U.S. Army through World War Two, when the U.S. Army was finally desegregated.

The collection is on display through March 1st.