The Blanchard House, built in 1925 was home to Joseph and Minnie Blanchard. He was a steamboat pilot and she was a mail-order bride. After all the Blanchard heirs were deceased, in 1997 Bernice Russell purchased the house. The Museum was the vision of Bernice Andrews Russell and in 2004 it was established as the Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture. Mrs. Russell was a humanitarian, social activist and historian for the African American community. She felt it important to document the history and contributions of African Americans in Charlotte County. The Bernice A. Russell Community Development Corporation, created in her honor is dedicated to continuing the work begun by Mrs. Russell. At her death in 1999, the house was donated to the Bernice A. Russell CDC by her daughter, Dr. Martha R. Bireda and her children. It was dedicated as a museum on May 22, 2004.
