The Peabody Collection located at the William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library at Hampton University is one of the oldest African American library collections in the country. I have visited this facility on a few occasions to research the education of Mr. James A. Fields (1844-1903), whose home is now a historic landmark in my community. Mr. Fields was a part of the first graduating class in 1871 of Hampton Normal and Agriculture Institute (now Hampton University).
On my first visit, I used a copy of a rare book which was published in 1893. (Read more about this rare book). The book was falling apart due to age and I did not feel comfortable in using it or turning the pages of such a rare and fragile copy. The pages were in good condition, but part of the cover was separating from the book.
On my second visit, I used a photocopy of the same book and felt more comfortable in flipping through the pages and and using this book.
I look forward to having time to back to the Peabody Collection to continue my research on Mr. James A. Fields.
The Peabody Collection
1 comment:
Dru,
How great that you had a chance to use the book. I recently spent time looking at old college yearbooks and I too couldn't believe I was using these books that were falling apart! It is something else to hold that kind of history in your hand. :-)
Thank you for sharing.
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