After an extensive revitalization, Hampton University in Virginia has recently reopened its museum – the oldest African American museum in the country.
The Hampton University Museum, originally established in 1868 and freely open to the public, now features several new exhibits, including a veteran’s display honoring Hampton alumni who have served in the Armed Forces and a collection of costumes from Oscar-winning designer Ruth E. Carter. Galleries that feature African, Native American, and Hampton University history have been developed as permanent exhibitions. In total, the museum houses over 9,000 works of art, sculptures, and textiles.
Vanessa Thaxton-Ward serves as director of the Hampton University Museum. Under her leadership, the museum has received grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Save America’s Treasures, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Luce Foundation, the Art Bridges Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Chrysler Museum of Art.
“The Hampton University Museum is not just a repository of art; it’s a living testament to the resilience of Black artists and the power of storytelling through art,” said Dr. Thaxton-Ward. “Our collections and exhibitions remind the world that Black art isn’t peripheral but central to the broader narrative of American history.”
