General Samuel Chapman Armstrong established the museum collection at Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) with objects donated by his missionary mother who was living in Hawaii. The first items were Polynesian.

 The first African pieces were acquired at the museum.

The establishment of the American Indian Education Program and the founding of the Museum’s Indian collection.

Academic Hall, which housed the museum, destroyed by fire.

Hampton alumnus, William H. Sheppard begins collecting traditional African art from the Kuba people of Zaire for Hampton.  In 1911, he sold approximately 400 pieces of traditional Kuba art for $400 to Hampton.

Museum relocated to Marshall Hall (today’s Administration building).

The Banjo Lesson and Lion’s Head were given as gifts by Hampton trustee Robert C. Ogden.  Ogden Hall is also named for this trustee.

Faculty member Alice C. Bacon returns from her second teaching appointment in Japan where she collected Japanese pieces.  After her death in 1918, her Japanese Collection becomes a gift to the museum.

The first Zulu pieces are acquired by the museum.

Pieces from the Philippine Islands acquired.

Hampton student from Kenya, Mibyu Koinange donates items from the Kikuyu people to reflect his culture.  Koinange’s father was a Senior Chief.

The mural, The Contribution of the Negro to Democracy in America was completed by Charles White.  The mural is located in Clarke Hall.

The museum received a large gift of paintings and sculptures from The Harmon Foundation of African American and Contemporary African Fine Art.