The collection dates back to the 16th century and is comprised of books of any subject. At the center of the Peabody's collection are the book from the library of Dr. Phip Broome Brooks, a black physician in Washington, D.C. and the Malone Collection presented to Hampton Institute by George Foster Peabody.
The late John Gunther, one of America’s most distinguished journalists, was famous for his series of Inside books, which detailed profiles of their respective countries and continents. His 1955 publication Inside Africa featured an in-depth look at the continent. Gunther used the 349 books, pamphlets, and maps donated for research to write this book. The collection was donated because Jane Gunther, the author’s widow, wanted to see the material preserved at a university that was interested in African history.
Dr. Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree from Hampton Institute and was a distinguished professor of African history. He attended segregated schools in Prince Edward County, where petitions by black families for equal education would eventually be included in the historic Brown vs. Board of Education case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954. Jackson amassed an eclectic collection of art and books, memorabilia and mementos. To Hampton University he gave two gifts and one bequest of scholarly works (mostly about East African and African American topics, and rare fiction by African American authors).
A 60s paperback collection donated to Hampton Institute by Lt. Col. Jesse J. Johnson who graduated from the Hampton Institute in 1964.
Joe Jordan was a world-famous composer, musician, and real estate entrepreneur who helped to bring several important changes in the entertainment world during the course of his long and productive life. The collection contain s more than 600 items, including original manuscripts/private papers, sheet music. engraving plates, photographs and books. Gifts made possible by Kimi Rabun, granddaughter of the late Joe Jordan and the mother of two HU graduates.