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Hampton University Museum

Hampton University Museum
Map
Established1868 (1868)
LocationHampton University, Virginia
Coordinates37°01′22″N 76°20′07″W / 37.022640°N 76.335270°W / 37.022640; -76.335270
DirectorVanessa Thaxton-Ward, Ph.D
Websitehttps://home.hamptonu.edu/msm/

Founded in 1868 on the campus of Hampton University, the Hampton University Museum is the oldest African-American museum in the United States and the oldest museum in Virginia.[1] It is the first institutional collection of work by African-American artists, and also has the South's largest collection of ethnic art, including African and American Indian art and artifacts.[2][3] With galleries dedicated to African American, African, American Indian, Asian and Pacific art and artifacts, the museum contains more than 9,000 objects representing cultures and people from around the world.[4]

History

Hampton University founder Gen. Samuel C. Armstrong founded the university’s museum as the "Curiosity Room" the same year he founded the university.[5]

References