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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterEarl Gregg Swem Library
400 Landrum Dr
Williamsburg, Virginia
Business Number: 757-221-3090
spcoll@wm.edu
URL: https://libraries.wm.edu/libraries-spaces/special-collections
Derek Sower, SCRC Intern
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Use:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Conditions Governing Access:
Collection is open to all researchers.
Preferred Citation:
Curtis West Harris and Ruth Jones Harris Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acquisition Information:
Acc. 2014.006 was picked up from the donor by SCRC staff on 1/2/2014.
Processing Information:
Accessioned and minimally processed by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in January 2014. Processing and finding aid completed by Derek Sower, SCRC intern, in July 2014.
Administrative History:
Reverend Curtis W. Harris was born in Dendron, Virginia on July 1, 1924 to Mr. Sandy Harris and Mrs. Thelma Harris. He attended Hopewell public schools, Virginia Union University, and received his pastoral training through the Medical College of Virginia. Harris' list of positions held include but are not limited to: serving as pastor at Union Baptist and Little Gilford Baptist churches, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and mayor of Hopewell, Virginia. Harris has also been the recipient to numerous awards and proclamations for his involvement with the Civil Rights movement and the overall advancement of the Hopewell community.
By Rev. Harris' side for over fifty years was Ruth Jones, whom he wedded in 1946. Ruth founded Hopewell's Union Day Care Center in the early 1970's as well as a program for senior citizens. She served on Hopewell's Senior Citizen Commission in the early to mid-1980 and as an avid supporter of racial equality she cared for the home, six children and business while Rev. Harris was on the front lines for the cause.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains biographical information relating to Reverend Curtis W. Harris, Ruth Jones Harris, Hopewell community members and calendars for the Harris family. Included in the collection are documents relating to Reverend Harris' time spent serving on Hopewell's City Council, materials from the churches Rev. Harris served, as well as his involvement with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In addition to this material are photo albums, pertaining to church related programs/activities and events at the Union Day Care Center, and artifacts.
Arrangement of Materials:
The collection is divided into six (6) series. Due to keeping as close to original order as possible, materials in each folder vary in form and may have a wide range of years. Folders in each series are arranged chronologically by the first date stated and then alphabetically if pertaining the same start date. Items in the folders have been left in the original arrangement, which means items may or may not be in chronological order.
Series 1 contains biographic materials. Series 2 contains documents relating church and ministry materials. It is composed of three (3) sub-series: Bethany Baptist, Ministry, and Union Baptist. Series 3 is for material relating to the town of Hopewell and contains two (2) sub-series for City Council and Hopewell Community. Series 4 contains digital photographs but also a collection from photo albums. It is important to note that his series contains newspaper articles that Reverend Harris placed in his photo album collection. Series 5 is titled SCLC/Civil Rights and is divided into the sub-series Civil Right and SCLC. Series 6 includes artifacts, which are housed with the Manuscripts Artifact Collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Baptists--Virginia--Clergy
- Civil rights movements--Virginia
- Hopewell (Va.)--History--20th century
- Hopewell (Va.)--Politics and government
- Letters (correspondence)
- Minutes
- Publications
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference--History
- Union Baptist Church (Hopewell, Va.)
Container List
Series includes biographical information relating to Reverend Curtis W. Harris, Ruth Jones Harris, Hopewell community members and calendars for the Harris family.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 1 id240919
Rev. Curtis Harris Biographical InformationundatedScope and Contents
Contains several copies of different biographical information for Rev. Harris from various events. Includes a pencil portrait of Dr. Harris, 1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 2 id240921
Correspondence to Curtis Harris and Biographic Material1971-2008, undatedScope and Contents
Contains biographies that include life events and places of work. Correspondence that includes telegrams and letters from community members, family, and state and local representatives.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 3 id240922
Curtis and Ruth Recognition1988-2011Scope and Contents
Items include city proclamations, awards program, certificates of appreciation, and booklets commemorating years of service.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 4 id240924
Family Snapshot Calender1993-1998Scope and Contents
Contains several family made calendars but the family is not specifically stated, possibly the Harris or Washington family.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 5 id240925
Harris Family Calendar, Part 11995-2002
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 6 id240926
Harris Family Calendar, Part 22003-2007
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 1 id240929
Harris Family Calendar, Part 32008-2012
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 2 id240930
Community Biographies and Funeral Information1998, undatedScope and Contents
Items consist of undated biographical sketches of community members and announcement for funeral proceedings.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 3 id240931
Washington Family1998-2006, undatedScope and Contents
Contains information for Washington family reunions, marriage license, and family calendar.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 4 id240932
Banquets and Inauguration2006-2009, undatedScope and Contents
Photographs from an awards banquets, Presidential Inauguration Invitation, and other information pertaining to the Inauguration.
This series is divided into three (3) sub-series: Bethany Baptist, Union Baptist, and Ministry. The entire series contains documents that relate to church/ministry materials. Material vary in form but include church bulletins, conference programs, materials from Minister Wives and Widows association, and church specific announcements/correspondences.
- id240937
Bethany Baptist1957-2010, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 5 id240939
Annual Session1957, 1971-1973Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 6 id240940
Annual Session1973-1976Scope and Contents
Contains booklet with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 1 id240943
Annual Session1976-1979Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 2 id240945
Annual Session1980-1982Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 3 id240946
Annual Session1982-1983Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 4 id240948
Annual Session1984-1987Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 1 id240950
Annual Session1987-1989Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 2 id240951
Annual Session1990-1993Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 3 id240953
Annual Session1993-1996Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 4 id240954
Annual Session1996-2000Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 1 id240957
Annual Session2001-2003Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 2 id240958
Annual Session2003-2010Scope and Contents
Contains booklets with the minutes for the Bethany Baptist Association Annual Session.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 3 id240959
Queens Contest and Women's Retreat1990-2000, undatedScope and Contents
This folder consists of church memos and a brief Rev. Harris biographical sketch but primarily contains information about the women's convention, queens contest, and member information.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 4 id240960
Newsletters and Memos1991-1993Scope and Contents
Memos for the music committee are included with the church newsletter titled "Flashes".
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 5 id240961
Memos and Correspondence1993-1994Scope and Contents
This folder contains memos and correspondence letters to the church as well as church address lists.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 6 id240962
Bethany Baptist Association1994-1997, undatedScope and Contents
This folder contains a variety of letters to the congregation, lists of names and addresses for association members and photographs of a U.S. map.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 7 id240963
Bulletins, Memos, and Convention Information1994-1996, undatedScope and Contents
Church memos, unfinished bulletins, and church address list. Additional items include correspondence from Rev. Harris.
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 8 id240964
Bethany Baptist Association1995, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 1 id241010
Letters and Memos1995-1998Scope and Contents
Memos to Bethany Baptist association members, fund raising material, church congregation letters, and information about the queens contest.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 2 id241011
Budget, Bulletins, and Retreat1996-1998, undatedScope and Contents
This folder contains several bulletins that are not finished, budget information, retreat information, and a few correspondence letters.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 3 id241012
Sharing and Caring, Sunday School1996, undatedScope and Contents
Member list of the sharing and caring, donation listing for sharing and caring, church listing of participants, and Bethany Baptist Association Sunday School Superintendents list.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 4 id241013
Joint Session and Convention1996-1998Scope and Contents
Program for the 29th Annual Joint Session and memos from Bethany Baptist.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 5 id241014
Rally and Convention1996-1997, undatedScope and Contents
Program for meetings, member listing, and committee leaders listing.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 6 id241015
One Day Session and Spring Institute1997-1998Scope and Contents
Programs for meeting, listing for courses offered, and church memos. Other items include service program and flyer for the 1997-98 Advent service.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 7 id241016
Evaluation Form1998Scope and Contents
This folder contains evaluations forms for 29th annual joint session meeting.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 8 id241017
Fall Institute1998Scope and Contents
This folder contains information pertaining to directions, classes, and memos pertaining to the Fall Institute.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 9 id241018
Stony Creek High School1998-1999Scope and Contents
Items include documents relating to the building survey of the former Stony Creek Jr. High School.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 10 id241019
Trustees, Board, and Women's Convention1998Scope and Contents
Items include information and memos for board meetings, listings of trustee members, and programs for women's retreat.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 11 id241020
Women's Auxiliary and Convention1998-1999, undatedScope and Contents
This folder contains memos to the president and members of the Bethany Baptist Association and Allied Bodies pertaining to the Women's Convention. Other items include a partial bulletin, and listing of the women participating in the Women's convention.
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 12 id241021
Advent Service, and Ceremony2007-2009, undatedScope and Contents
Items in this folder include an outline for a dedication ceremony, program for Harris banquet, and service pamphlet for a funeral.
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 5 id240939
- id241022
Ministry1969-2010, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 1 id241024
First Baptist1969, 1996-2004, undatedScope and Contents
Items include Anniversary and souvenir programs for First Baptist Church.
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 2 id241025
Churches in or near Petersburg, Hopewell, and Surrounding Area1971-2005
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 3 id241026
Ivor, Virginia1973-2008Scope and Contents
This folder contains bulletins, anniversary booklets, and tribute programs for Rev. Harris from Little Gilfield and Gilfield Baptist Church.
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 4 id241027
Ministers' Wives and Widows, Part 11974-1975, 1986, undatedScope and Contents
Items in this folder include booklets for the history and membership directory for the Ministers' Wives and Widows association.
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 5 id241028
Ministers' Wives and Widows, Part 22000-2010Scope and Contents
This folder contains three booklets for the Ministers' Wives and Widows conferences. It also includes the name tag of Ruth Jones that will be stored with the artifacts as well as a service program.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 1 id241232
VA Baptist State Convention1995-2010, undatedScope and Contents
Items include Virginia Baptist State Convention Blue Ribbon Commission Strategy, program, and newsletter information from the Virginia Baptist State Convention.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 2 id241233
Sermons2007, undatedScope and Contents
All items in this folder are sermon printouts or notes of Rev. Harris.
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 1 id241024
- id241234
Union Baptist1964-2009, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 3 id241236
Church Correspondence1964-1968Scope and Contents
This folder contains correspondence to and from Rev. Harris but also contains some letters by Ruth Harris.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 4 id241237
Souvenir Programs1964-2007Scope and Contents
Five souvenir programs for the anniversary of the church are contained in this folder.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 5 id241238
Programs1969-2007Scope and Contents
Contents include: Programs for a testimony, church anniversary and a Ministers' Wives and Widows event.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 6 id241239
Church Correspondence1973-2008Scope and Contents
Items in this folder are correspondence from Rev. Harris and other church leaders. Additional items include information about the Juneteenth event and certificate of distinction.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 7 id241240
Bulletins, Part 11983, 1993-1999, undatedScope and Contents
Primarily consist of bulletins but also included are by-laws for church clubs.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 8 id241241
Bulletins, Part 21997-1999Scope and Contents
All items in this folder are bulletins from the church.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 9 id241242
Events, Budget, and Letters1984-1997Scope and Contents
Letters in this folder are from Ruth Harris, Rev. Harris and other pastors. Other items are programs and flyers for church events, service programs, and roster of church membership.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 1 id241244
Pastor Anniversary1988, undatedScope and Contents
Contents include: programs honoring Rev. Harris, anniversary cards from community members, and photocopied photographs.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 2 id241245
Back to School and Memos1993-1998Scope and Contents
Memos, certificate of recognition and back to school information.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 3 id241246
Letters and Press Release1993-1999Scope and Contents
This folder is primarily comprised of letters and correspondence from Rev. Harris. Other items include information from Hopewell Housing authority, computer literacy survey, and press release.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 4 id241247
Congregation Contribution and Budget1995-1998Scope and Contents
Items in this folder contain information regarding donations/contributions made by church members, rally financial contributions, and church budget proposals.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 5 id241248
Convention, Committees, Finances, and Daycare1996-1998Scope and Contents
Items in this folder consist of flyers for conventions, list of committees with their members, income proposal/financial reports, and pictures of day care facilities in need of repair.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 6 id241249
Dedication Program and Guest Speakers1996-1998, undatedScope and Contents
Dedication program from Oliver Hill Courts building, work verification/reference letter, and biographic/introductory material for guest Spears are located in this folder.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 7 id241250
Men's Meeting and Budget Report1996-1998Scope and Contents
Items primarily consist of budget/financial reports but also included in this folder are memo's for men's meeting.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 8 id241251
Fellowship and Revival1997-1998Scope and Contents
Materials in this folder inform the congregation members of the upcoming revival and fellowship.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 9 id241252 1997
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 10 id241253
Vacation Bible School and Women's Day1997, undatedScope and Contents
This folder contains letters from Rev. Harris, introductory notes for guests, information on VBS (Vacation Bible School), and the Women's Day financial report.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 11 id241254
Committees, Christmas, and Bible Study1998-1999Scope and Contents
List of committees and their members, names of trustees, bible study booklet, and Christmas greeting letter are included in this folder.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 12 id241255
Missionary, Music, Revival, and Passion Week1999, undatedScope and Contents
Items include music ministry leaders and their salary, flyers and memos for Vacation Bible School, revivals, and Passion Week are also included.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 13 id241256
Retreat and Facilitator2005Scope and Contents
Comprised mainly of a PowerPoint printout and informational packet for the Welcome and Introduction of Facilitator. Other items include flyers for retreat.
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 14 id241257
Member ListUndatedScope and Contents
List of church members and pledge of service cards.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 3 id241236
This series documents meetings of Hopewell city council, correspondence from state and local representatives, depositions, school board, and Hopewell community news/events.
- id241259
City Council1959-2009, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 1 id241261
Recall and Correspondence1959, 1999-2003, undatedScope and Contents
Newspaper clippings pertaining to the election recall, petition of removal from office, and letters of correspondence are included in this folder.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 2 id241262
House and Energy1963, 2009Scope and Contents
A letter to Rev. Harris regarding the school board and city council, data from the city attorney, and information about Hopewell's house energy and water funding.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 3 id241263
Curtis Election and Press Releases1967, 2006-2008Scope and Contents
Items in this folder include flyer for Harris' senate campaign, correspondence regarding environmental issues, and press release for removal of city councilors. Additional items include receipts for city council purchases and information regarding an equal employment opportunity case.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 4 id241264
Citizen Letters, News Clippings, and CIty Documents1968-2008Scope and Contents
This folder contains and invitation to White House for Clinton's welcoming of Nelson Mandela, letters of complaints from citizens, and congratulatory letters.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 5 id241265
Osage Bio-Energy, Campaigns, and Correspondence1971-1974, 1992-2009, undatedScope and Contents
News articles for information about Osage Bio-Energy and Harris' campaigns as well as several letters of correspondence to Rev. Harris are included in this folder.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 6 id241266
Blount Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 7 id241267
Butterworth Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 1 id241269
Edmonds Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 2 id241270
Elder Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 3 id241271
Hyatt Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 4 id241272
Parr Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 5 id241273
Sober Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 6 id241274
Strong's Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 7 id241275
Vergara's Deposition1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 11 Folder: 8 id241276
Work Session1988-2009, undatedScope and Contents
Items from July 16, 2008 meeting and include memos, correspondence, and a pamphlet for Harris' election campaign.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 1 id241278
City of Hopewell1995-1996Scope and Contents
This folder contains budget approval and a photocopy blueprint of Hopewell's Visitor Center.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 2 id241279
Joint Council Meeting1995, 1998Scope and Contents
Included in this folder are the topics of discussion and meeting minutes from the Joint Council Meeting on May 1, 1998.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 3 id241280
City Council Meetings1996-2008Scope and Contents
This folder contains letters, memos, programs, and the agenda/minutes of city council meetings.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 4 id241281
Development and Newsletters1996-1998Scope and Contents
This folder contains interdepartmental newsletters about the duties of the cities departments.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 5 id241282
City Council1997-1998Scope and Contents
Included in this folder are the topics of discussion and newsletter from the City Council Meeting on May 22, 1998.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 6 id241283
State and Local Government1997-1998, undatedScope and Contents
Items in this folder relate to Virginia's Municipal League and the National League of Cities.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 7 id241284
All-American City1998Scope and Contents
The information in this folder relates to the application process and background information about the All American City award.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 8 id241285
Budget Request and Receipts1998Scope and Contents
Items in this folder include receipts for employee travel expenses, budget request, and interdepartmental newsletters.
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 1 id241287
Community Reports1998
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 2 id241288
Council Meeting1998 May
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 3 id241289
Council Meeting1998 May
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 4 id241290
Council Meeting1998 June
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 5 id241291
Council Meeting1998 June, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 6 id241292
Council Meeting1998 June, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 1 id241294
Council Meeting1998 October
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 2 id241295
Council Meeting1998 November, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 3 id241296
Council Meeting1998 November, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 4 id241297
Education and Curfew1998, undatedScope and Contents
Interdepartmental newsletters, business plans, materials proposing a curfew for minors, and information regarding the school system.
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 5 id241298
Resolutions and Escrow Agreement1998
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 6 id241299
Tri-Cities Long Range Transportation Plan1998Scope and Contents
Documents relating to the transportation plan for Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell, Virginia.
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 1 id241301
Vice Mayor: Youth in Government Day1998Scope and Contents
Contains information about the Youth in Government Day.
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 2 id241302
City Attornery Documents1999Scope and Contents
This folder contains a birthday card from Mark Warner and a booklet from the city attorney.
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 3 id241303
Council Meeting1999 February
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 4 id241304
Council Meeting1999 February
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 5 id241305
Tour and Butterworth1999, 2008Scope and Contents
Information regarding city tour and Butterworth lofts.
- Mixed Materials Box: 16 Folder: 1 id241307
Council Meeting and Legislative Program2007-2008
- Mixed Materials Box: 16 Folder: 2 id241308
Education, Environment, and News2007-2009, undatedScope and Contents
Capital project for Hopewell Schools, community concerns, and city policies.
- Mixed Materials Box: 16 Folder: 3 id241309
Newsletters, Proposal, and Banking2008Scope and Contents
Proposal for federal lobbying, banking information, VA newsletters, and business correspondence.
- Mixed Materials Box: 16 Folder: 4 id241310
Council Meeting2008 May
- Mixed Materials Box: 16 Folder: 5 id241311
Council Meeting2008 May
- Mixed Materials Box: 17 Folder: 1 id241313
Council Meeting2009 February
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 1 id241261
- id241314
Hopewell Community1959-2009, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 17 Folder: 2 id241316
History, Plays, and Education1959, 1980-2000, undatedScope and Contents
Letter to the community, commencement program for Hopewell High School, pictures from an unknown gathering, Hopewell history souvenir program, and a black history calendar from Dupont Elementary.
- Mixed Materials Box: 17 Folder: 3 id241317
Union Day Care1971-1972, undatedScope and Contents
Documents relating meeting minutes, charter, and by-laws of Union Day Care Center.
- Mixed Materials Box: 17 Folder: 2 id241316
- Mixed Materials Manuscripts Oversize Box 18 Folder: 1 id241318
Telegrams and City Resolutions/Proclamations1963-2009, undatedScope and Contents
Photocopies of western union telegrams stating voter support, and city resolutions/proclamations in honor of Rev. Harris.
- Mixed Materials Oversize Folder: 2 id241319
Reverend Curtis Harris Campaign Posters1994-2001Scope and Contents
Several campaign posters are included in the collection.
This series includes digital photographs and non-digital photographs. Many of the non-digital photo albums are about the Union Day Care Center and church events; however, included in this series are several newspaper articles and non-photograph related items that were originally stored in photo album binders.
- Mixed Materials Box: 17 Folder: 4 id241322
Gilfield Baptist1950-1980, 2003Scope and Contents
Certificates, letters and photographs from events held by Gilfield Baptist.
- Mixed Materials Box: 17 Folder: 5 id241323
Harris Certificates1950-1990Scope and Contents
This folder contains a variety of awards and certificates presented to Reverend Harris.
- Mixed Materials Box: 17 Folder: 6 id241324
Hopewell Community, Part 11950-2000Scope and Contents
Pictures, flyers, service announcements, and newspapers articles relating to the Hopewell community.
- Mixed Materials Box: 18 Folder: 1 id241328
Hopewell Community, Part 21950-2000Scope and Contents
Pictures, flyers, service announcements, and newspapers articles relating to the Hopewell community.
- Mixed Materials Box: 18 Folder: 2 id241330
Postcard Album1960Scope and Contents
Collection of postcards that was sent to Curtis Harris from his father.
- Mixed Materials Box: 18 Folder: 3 id241331
Church and Families, Part 11970-1980Scope and Contents
Pictures relating to church events and of the congregation's families.
- Mixed Materials Box: 18 Folder: 4 id241332
Church and Families, Part 21970-1980Scope and Contents
Pictures relating to church events and of the congregation's families.
- Mixed Materials Box: 18 Folder: 5 id241333
Church and Families, Part 31970-1990Scope and Contents
Pictures relating to church events and of the congregation's families.
- Mixed Materials Box: 18 Folder: 6 id241334
Church and Ministry, Part 11960-1980Scope and Contents
Pictures relating to church events and of the congregation's families.
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 1 id241439
Burch and Ministry, Part 21990-2001, undatedScope and Contents
Pictures relating to church events and of the congregation's families.
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 2 id241440
Harris Certificates and Correspondence1970-2000Scope and Contents
This folder contains a variety of awards/certificates presented to Reverend Harris, letters of correspondence, news articles, and invitations for events.
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 3 id241441
Union Day Care, Part 11973, 1984-1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 4 id241442
Union Day Care, Part 21975, 1985, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 5 id241443
Union Day Care, Part 31982-1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 6 id241444
Union Day Care, Part 41990, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 1 id241446
Union Day Care, Part 51996-2002, undatedScope and Contents
Pictures relating to events and daily operations of Union Day Care.
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 2 id241447
Union Day Care, Part 61997-2000, undatedScope and Contents
Pictures relating to events and daily operations of Union Day Care.
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 3 id241448
Newspaper Articles, Part 11996-2007, undatedScope and Contents
Newspaper articles relating to Hopewell, churches, and the SCLC.
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 4 id241449
Newspaper Articles, Part 22003-2005Scope and Contents
Newspaper articles relating to Hopewell, churches, and the SCLC.
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 5 id241450
Southern Christian Leadership Conference1998Scope and Contents
Photographs of SCLC events.
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 6 id241451
Awards Ceremony1999Scope and Contents
Photographs of SCLC awards ceremony.
- Mixed Materials Box: 27 id241498
Presidential Inauguration Photo Albums2008Scope and Contents
Contains two photo albums given to Rev. Harris of the 2008 Presidential Inauguration of President Barak Obama.
This series documents the history of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Rev. Harris' involvement as President.
Included in the SCLC sub-series is material relating to Martin Luther 
King 
Jr. and information on cases pertaining to equal opportunity employment. The sub-series titled Civil Rights contain articles
relating to injustices throughout the United Stated but did not have a specific link to or involvement of the SCLC.
- id241453
Civil Rights1962-2007
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 1 id241455
Booklets and Programs1962-2007
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 2 id241456
Newspaper Articles1968Scope and Contents
Newspaper articles relating to local (Hopewell) voting.
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 3 id241457
News Articles, Part 11970-1990Scope and Contents
This folders contains articles relating to African American involvement in churches and government.
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 4 id241458
News Articles, Part 21970-1990Scope and Contents
This folders contains articles relating to African American involvement in churches and government.
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 5 id241459
Violence1997Scope and Contents
Newspaper articles relating to civil rights violations and crimes against African Americans.
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 1 id241455
- id241460
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)1964-2009
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 6 id241462
SCLC History Books, Magazine, and Equal Opportunity1964-1999, undatedScope and Contents
Items include several books/booklets relating to the history of the SCLC, a tribute booklet for Curtis Harris, and documents pertaining to local government's equal opportunity employment.
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 7 id241463
Virginia Units1964-1997Scope and Contents
Letters, programs, pamphlets, and news articles relating to SCLC chapters in Virginia.
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 1 id241465
Booklets and Programs1966-2000
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 2 id241466
Convention Booklets1968-1989Scope and Contents
Booklets relating to conferences and conventions of the SCLC.
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 3 id241467
Conference, Letters, and Gas Protest1973-1991, undatedScope and Contents
News articles for SCLC's boycott of high gas prices, photos of Rev. Harris at a march in Alabama, and letters of correspondence.
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 4 id241468
Correspondence, Unity Day, and News Articles1978-1997, undatedScope and Contents
Items include: Correspondence letters, information on Unity Day and news articles about Harris and the SCLC.
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 5 id241469
1981-2008, undated
Scope and Contents
Items include: Program for MLK birthday celebration and information on members.
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 6 id241470
Memos, Voting, and Discrimination1983, 2003Scope and Contents
Items include: Information on historic highway marker, SCLC memos, voting information, and articles on discrimination.
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 7 id241471
Conference and Bylaws1986-2006, undatedScope and Contents
Conference programs, resolution to support human rights of Smithfield workers, and bylaws of the SCLC.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23 Folder: 1 id241473
News and Media1987-1990, undatedScope and Contents
News articles and media/press information releases on Rev. Harris and the SCLC.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23 Folder: 2 id241474
Conference, Correspondence and Equal Opportunity1988-1996, undatedScope and Contents
Memos and correspondence from the SCLC, letter from the Housing authority, articles about the SCLC and hate crimes, and a case from the equal opportunity commission are included in this folder.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23 Folder: 3 id241475
Conventions, Conferences, and News1989-2009, undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 23 Folder: 4 id241476
Chapter Development, Newsletters, and NAACP Conference1991-2007
- Mixed Materials Box: 23 Folder: 5 id241477
Letters, Memos, and Conference Information1994-2009, undatedScope and Contents
Items in this folder are mainly comprised of letters/memos from the SCLC.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23 Folder: 6 id241478
SCLC Women and Virginia Unit Meeting Minutes1994-2009Scope and Contents
Items include programs and flyers for functions of the SCLC Women and documents relating to the meeting minutes of the Virginia unit.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23 Folder: 7 id241479
Memos1996, 2009
- Mixed Materials Box: 24 Folder: 1 id241481
Conference, Meeting Minutes, Membership1998-2006
- Mixed Materials Box: 24 Folder: 2 id241482
Leadership Conference1999-2009Scope and Contents
Items include: Program from Southeast Community Days, SCLC presentation and SCLC conference program.
- Mixed Materials Box: 24 Folder: 3 id241483
Membership2002-2003
- Mixed Materials Box: 24 Folder: 4 id241484
Letters and Board Meetings2005-2007
- Mixed Materials Box: 24 Folder: 5 id241485
Africn American Community Concerns and Equal Opportunity2007-2008, undatedScope and Contents
Items in this folder primarily include letters of concern from the African American Community and information on equal opportunity cases.
- Mixed Materials Box: 24 Folder: 6 id241486
Conference and Equal Opportunity2007-2009
- Mixed Materials Box: 25 Folder: 1 id241488
Program, Meeting Minutes, and Equal Opportunity2007-2009Scope and Contents
Items in this folder primarily include conference programs, meeting minutes and information on equal opportunity cases.
- Mixed Materials Box: 25 Folder: 2 id241489
Suit/Audit Tax Documents, Part 12007-2008
- Mixed Materials Box: 25 Folder: 3 id241490
Suit/Audit Tax Documents, Part 22007-2008
- Mixed Materials Box: 25 Folder: 4 id241491
William Brown Case File, Part 12008
- Mixed Materials Box: 25 Folder: 5 id241492
William Brown Case FIle, Part 22008
- Mixed Materials Box: 26 Folder: 1 id241494
Juneteenth, Membership, and News Articles2008-2009
- Mixed Materials Box: 26 Folder: 2 id241495
State and Local Meetings2008-2009
- Mixed Materials Box: 26 Folder: 3 id241496
Development Plan2009Scope and Contents
Booklet with information on the development plan for the Dillard area.
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 6 id241462
All artifacts received as part of the Curtis West Harris and Ruth Jones Harris Papers are housed in the Manuscripts Artifact Collection.
- id267388
32nd Annual Southern Christian Leadership Conference Button1989 August 15-18Scope and Contents
1-circular button that has a white top and a burgundy bottom on the front. On the white top "SCLC" is printed in burgundy and "SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE" is printed in burgundy under "SCLC." On the burgundy bottom "32ND ANNUAL CONVENTION/AUGUST 15-18, 1989/ ATLANTA, GEORGIA/DR. JOSEPH E. LOWERY/ PRESIDENT" is printed in white. The back of the button is silver and has a needle and hook so that the wearer can attach the button to his or her shirt. The button measures approximately 2.125in. and is in good condition. There is tarnish on the back of the button around the edges and in the center under the needle and hook. Located in the Manuscripts Artifact Collection. Mss 2014.006.01
- id267394
The International Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows, Inc. Name Badge2010 July 2-9Scope and Contents
1- name badge that has a clear slip cover top, and a green and white ribbon bottom. The back of the slip cover top has a small silver needle and hook where the wearer can attach the badge to her shirt. The slip cover top has The International Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows, Inc logo printed in black on the wearer's right. The association's name is printed in black above the logo and "DR. ELIZABETH COLES BOUEY, FOUNDER/ DR. JANIE CHARLES HOLMES, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT" is printed in black below the logo. A green piece of paper is inserted inside the slip cover and has "Annual Convention/ Ruth J. Harris/Hopewell, VA/Atlanta, GA/ July 2-July 9, 2010" typed in black print on it. The Green ribbon at the bottom has "MEMBER" printed in gold on it and the white ribbon has "LIFE MEMBER" printed in gold on it. The badge measures approximately 5.5in. (length) x 4.5in. (width) and is in good condition. There are three small red stains under the "R" in "LIFE MEMBER" on the white ribbon. Located in the Manuscripts Artifact Collection. Mss 2014.006.02
- id267372
"I Helped Hang Poverty" Noosecirca 1969Scope and Contents
1-miniature white hangman's noose. Attached to the top of the noose is a brown tag. The brown tag reads "POOR PEOPLE'S PRODUCTS" in a circle and "I Helped Hang Poverty" below it. Inside the circular "POOR PEOPLE'S PRODUCT" is a square that has text within it that reads, "THIS IS TO CERTIFY THE PRODUCT YOU HAVE PURCHASED IS GENUINE." The "I Helped Hang Poverty" noose was propaganda used by the Poor People's Campaign to bring attention to the plight of poor Americans. The Poor People's Campaign was an movement organized by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King , Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1968 with the aim of demanding economic and human rights for economically
disadvantaged Americans of all races. The noose measures approximately 16in (tag included) and is in fair condition. The noose
itself has suffered from discoloration and the rope edges that tie the noose together are frayed. In addition, there are black
stains on the first three spirals of the noose and the left side of the knot that holds the tag. The tag has creases in the
middle and is torn from the top right corner to the middle. There is white discoloration and a small brown stain above the
"I" in "I Helped Hang Poverty" and there is a large brown stain under the word "Poverty." On the back of the tag there are
large black spots along the top of the tag near the knot that holds the tag. There is also a small black stain on the bottom
left corner of the tag. Located in the Manuscripts Artifact Collection, Textiles. Mss 2014.006.03
- id267376
"What is a Pastor" Plaquecirca 1980sScope and Contents
1- square wooden plaque with a lighter brown shape carved in the middle. Within the lighter brown shape is a poem printed in black block type. The poem titled "WHAT IS A PASTOR?" reads: "A pastor is someone/ who is chosen by God/ As a shepherd of souls in his care,/He's someone who comforts/ an unhappy heart/ with a smile or a word or a prayer./ A pastor is someone/ whose strength and devotion/ Enriches the living of others,/He's someone who preaches/ the wonderful message/ That in Jesus all men are brothers./ A pastor is someone/ whose goal is to follow/ A worthy and lofty ideal--/ To guide other souls/ in the straight paths of truth,/ To sympathize, comfort and heal." The back of the plaque has a red felt covering and a piece of tape attached to it in the middle that has "Done by Ruth Harris" written in pen. There is a whole drilled at the top center of the plaque presumably for mounting purposes. The plaque measures approximately 5.5in. (length) x 5.5in. (width) and is in excellent condition. There is evidence of chipping on the bottom left and right corners. Located in the Manuscripts Artifact Collection, Wood. Mss 2014.006.04
- id267378
Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Harris Day Proclamation Plaque1992 July 5Scope and Contents
1-wooden plaque with a glass-encased document mounted upon it. The document is on parchment paper and has the City Seal of Hopewell, Virginia at the bottom left of the document. Brass tacks affix the document and the glass to the wooden plaque. On the back of the plaque, there is a rounded notch at the top and on left side where one can hang the plaque on a hook. On the bottom, right corner of the back of the plaque there is a golden sticker that reads "CUSTOM MADE BY/ The Award Company of AMERICA/ 3200 Rice Mine Road N.E. / P.O. Box 2029/ Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401/ Call Toll Free 1-800-633-5953/ or Call 205-349-2990." The plaque was presented to Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Harris when D. Paul Karnes, mayor of Hopewell in 1997, declared July 5 Reverend Doctor Curtis W. Harris Day in Hopewell, Virginia. The plaque measures approximately 13.875in. (length) x 11.5in. (width) and is in good condition. The edges of the document poking out from under the glass have suffered yellow discoloration. There is an approximately 4.25in. scratch on the glass above the City Seal of Hopewell on the document. A smaller scratch is located just above the scratch above the Seal. There is an approximately 0.5in. piece of extended glass near the middle of the document beside the third "WHEREAS." In addition, there is an approximately 0.375in. chip in the glass at the very top of the document. Finally, there are scratches all over the wooden back and some chipping of the wood on all four corners of the plaque. Located in the Manuscripts Artifact Collection, Wood. Mss 2014.006.05