Hampton Material, 1860 - 1937

The Hampton Material sub-series is the largest of the Armstrong Papers and reflects the degree to which the Institute's affairs permeated all aspects of Armstrong's life. Comprising correspondence, financial and administrative material, and collected programs, pamphlets and articles, the sub-series is a diverse accumulation of material. Correspondence includes discussions of routine financial and personnel concerns, fundraising, speaking engagements, donations and the overall operation of the school. There are letters from individuals wishing to attend Hampton and from graduates regarding employment or loans. Of note among the correspondence are items reflecting Armstrong's active and ongoing interest in the American missionary movement and the "Indian Question," the latter resulting in the establishment of a program at Hampton for the education of Native Americans. In addition, copies of letters from Booker T. Washington, an important African American educator, social reformer and protege of Armstrong, document Washington's experiences while establishing the Tuskegee Institute.