African American Events

The City of Hampton: Through the Lens of Reuben V. Burrell and James Van Der Zee

Reuben V. Burrell has documented through photographs a half of a century of Hampton University events – both big and small. Not only is Mr. Burrell the Griot (historian) of the University but his lens goes beyond the campus into the surrounding community. Coming to Hampton as a student in 1938 Burrell finished his course requirements in 1940, after which, World War II was pending.  He received a B.S. degree in Industrial Arts from Hampton in 1947, and then enrolled at New York University where he earned his M.A. degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1949.  Hired at Hampton in December 1949, Mr. Burrell began his career as the school photographer. For more than sixty years, he has provided an invaluable service to the university documenting its history as well as reprinting historic photographs. He has also documented landmarks, businesses, social and civic activities in the city of Hampton.  His photographs include well known individuals in the city as well.  

James Van Der Zee is recognized as the dean of African American photographers based on his large body of photographs taken in Harlem, New York during more than half of the 19^th century.  In 1906 Van Der Zee left his hometown of Lenox, MA here he met and married Kate L. Brown, a seamstress from Newport News, Virginia.  The couple’s first child, Rachel, was born in 1907 and shortly afterward they traveled to Virginia.  The Van Der Zee’s decided to remain in Tidewater, VA where Van Der Zee found employment as a waiter at the Hotel Chamberlin.  The photographs will share images of two categories: the everyday activities of Slabtown residents and the academic community at Whittier Preparatory School.

Partial funding for this exhibition provided by the City of Hampton, 400^th Anniversary Celebration Fund.

January 29-August 30

Hampton University Museum

757-727-5508

Native American Festival: Thunder on the Bay          400th Anniversary Feature Event

A 400th Anniversary Signature Event, Thnder on the Bay is a drumming and dancing pow-wow, focusing on the continued Native American presence in our region and along the East Coast, with educational exhibits, food vendors, and craft vendors.

September 18, 2010

Buckroe Beach Park

Call (757) 726-5437 for more information on this event