A Collection in
Special Collections and Archives
Collection Number 1979-11
Johnston Memorial Library, Virginia State
University
Special Collections and Archives Johnston Memorial Library P.O. Box 9406 Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia 23806 USA Phone: (804) 524-5582 Fax: (804) 524-6959 Email: refdesk@vsu.edu URL: https://library.vsu.edu/
The Hamlin Family of Petersburg were members of a large
antibellum free black community. At the conclusion of the
civil war, The hamlin's became active in city politics and
were quite involved in emerging African American Middle
class.
One member of this family William Hamlin, A graduate of
Hampton Institute became the first African American principal
of a school in Petersburg. Hamlin later became Principal of
Peabody. In addition, Mr. Hamlin was one of the corp of
teachers selected to teach in the summer institute for
"Colored" teachers sponsored by both the Peabody Reading
Circle and the State of Virginia.
A number of individuals from this family were quite active
during the era of Reconstruction and the Readjuster movement
in Virginia. According to family history, members of the
family, Cornelius Hamlin was assistant to the mayor of
Petersburg. Edward Hamlin was clerk of the Court. According to
family history, James Edward Hamlin was also associated with
the Underground Railroad in Petersburg. A number of people
from this family were associated with education. Sarah T. Byrd
was one of the first African American teachers hired in the
city.
The Hamlin/Mitchell papers do contain a few letters most of
which are related to Williams Hamlin activities with the
Peabody Reading Circle.Other correspondence in the group was
generated by Miss Wilhelimina Hamlin.Most of Miss Hamlin's
correspondence document's her long career in education. Other
documents found are circulars, invitations, and
broadsides.
Series II. Correspondence Business correspondence, most of
which concern educational matters.
Series III. Printed Circulars, Invitation, Flyers,
Brochures, and programs
Series IV. Photographs A number of photograph documenting
articles at Gillfield Baptist. There are several photographs
of students and activities at the Motoaca Laboratory School
located on the Campus of Virginia State University.
Series V. Literary A group of poems and other writings by
William Hamlin.
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