Hampton University Museum | Hampton

Historical Background and Foundation

The Hampton University Museum, located on the campus of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, holds the distinction of being the oldest African American museum in the United States and the oldest museum in Virginia, established in 1868. Its origins date back to the post-Civil War era when General Samuel Chapman Armstrong founded Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) with the mission to educate newly freed African Americans and Native Americans.

The museum initially began as a “Curiosity Room,” intended to expose students and the public to cultural artifacts from Africa, Native American tribes, and other parts of the world, fostering a sense of identity, pride, and historical awareness. Over the decades, the museum evolved into a fully accredited institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of African American, African, Native American, and other global cultural artifacts.

The museum’s founding philosophy was deeply connected to Hampton University’s educational mission, which focused on developing the “head, the hand, and the heart” of its students-combining intellectual development, practical skills, and moral values.

Collections and Exhibitions

African American Fine Art Collection

One of the museum’s most notable achievements is its African American Fine Art Collection, which is recognized as the first institutional collection of African American art in the United States. The collection’s roots trace to 1894, when Hampton University acquired two important paintings by Henry Ossawa Tanner, one of the most celebrated African American artists of his time. Among these is The Banjo Lesson, a seminal work that powerfully depicts African American culture and experience.

The collection has since expanded to include works by influential artists such as:

John T. Biggers – known for murals and works celebrating African American heritage and culture.

Elizabeth Catlett – a sculptor and printmaker famous for exploring themes of social justice.

Samella Lewis – an artist and historian who helped establish African American art history as an academic field.

The museum also houses significant works from the Harlem Renaissance, an influential cultural and artistic movement in the early 20th century that reshaped African American identity and expression.

African and Native American Artifacts

Beyond African American art, the museum boasts one of the most extensive and important collections of African and Native American art in the southern United States. The African art collection includes traditional masks, textiles, sculptures, ceremonial objects, and everyday items gathered from various African cultures. This collection began with artifacts collected by African American William H. Shepperd, a pioneering collector who sought to preserve African heritage.

The museum also maintains a notable Philippine Collection, acquired in 1914, showcasing the cultural artifacts from both the northern and southern regions of the Philippines. These diverse collections underscore the museum’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding, ethnic pride, and a global perspective on heritage.

Hampton History Gallery

The Hampton History Gallery is dedicated to chronicling the university’s own storied history, reflecting its mission to educate both mind and spirit. This gallery features nearly 700 artifacts including:

Tools and implements from Hampton’s renowned agricultural program.

Student-crafted furniture, textiles, and crafts.

Teaching materials and memorabilia representing the experiences of generations of students.

Documents, photographs, and artifacts celebrating alumni achievements and milestones.

This gallery provides visitors with a rich narrative of the institution’s growth and its pivotal role in African American education and empowerment.

Recent Renovations and Expanded Exhibitions

In early 2025, the Hampton University Museum reopened after an extensive yearlong renovation that significantly expanded its exhibition space and modernized its facilities. Key new features include:

The “200 Years of African American Fine Art” Gallery, which showcases a comprehensive timeline of African American artistic expression, ranging from classical to contemporary art. This gallery highlights important movements such as the Harlem Renaissance and features works by emerging modern African artists.

The “Sankofa Gallery”, developed through collaboration with the Chrysler Museum of Art, introduces a vibrant collection of contemporary African art pieces. This gallery emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of African culture and artistic practice today.

These renovations and new exhibitions reflect the museum’s dedication to both preserving history and embracing current cultural expressions.

Educational Role and Community Engagement

The Hampton University Museum serves as an important educational resource for students, scholars, and the general public. Its role extends beyond artifact preservation to active cultural education through:

Guided tours and lectures led by curators and educators that deepen understanding of African American history and global cultures.

Workshops and outreach programs designed to engage local schools and communities.

The Junior Curator Program, which encourages youth participation and education through interactive learning experiences.

Collaborations with other museums and cultural institutions for research, exhibitions, and preservation initiatives.

The museum’s commitment to education and community involvement helps sustain cultural heritage and promotes dialogue around issues of identity, history, and social justice.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Location:
14 Frissell Avenue, Hampton, VA 23668 - located centrally on Hampton University’s campus.

Hours of Operation:
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed on weekends and major holidays.

Admission:
The museum is free to the public, encouraging broad accessibility.

Parking:
Visitors can park in designated free lots behind the historic Wigwam Building adjacent to the museum.

Accessibility:
The facility is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The accessible entrance is located on the left side of the building in the museum’s addition.

Virtual Access:
For remote audiences, the museum offers virtual tours and digital exhibitions, expanding its reach beyond geographic boundaries and enabling global access to its collections and educational content.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

The Hampton University Museum is a landmark institution that reflects the rich cultural heritage of African Americans, Native Americans, Africans, and other ethnic communities. It embodies a legacy of resilience, creativity, and scholarship that has influenced generations.

By preserving critical artworks, historical objects, and cultural artifacts, the museum fosters understanding of diverse identities and histories. It stands not only as a guardian of the past but as a vibrant center for ongoing cultural dialogue and artistic innovation.

Its unique status as the oldest African American museum in the nation amplifies its importance as a pioneering institution in both museology and African American cultural preservation.

Summary

The Hampton University Museum is an essential cultural institution with a profound historical legacy and a broad, dynamic collection spanning African American fine art, African and Native American artifacts, and university history. Its role as an educational and cultural beacon continues to expand through renovations, exhibitions, and outreach, making it a vital resource for understanding the complexities and richness of African American and global cultures.

Visitors to the museum engage with over 150 years of cultural history and artistic achievement, gaining insight into the African diaspora’s impact on art, education, and identity. The museum’s commitment to accessibility, education, and preservation ensures it remains a cornerstone for cultural heritage and community enrichment well into the future.

This detailed profile highlights the Hampton University Museum’s significance from multiple perspectives: historical, cultural, artistic, educational, and communal.