Founded in 1868 on the campus of Hampton University, the Hampton University Museum is the oldest African-American museum in the United States and the oldest museum in Virginia.

[1] It is the first institutional collection of work by African-American artists, and also has the South's largest collection of ethnic art, including African and American Indian art and artifacts.

[2][3] With galleries dedicated to African American, African, American Indian, Asian and Pacific art and artifacts, the museum contains more than 9,000 objects representing cultures and people from around the world.

[4] Hampton University founder Gen. Samuel C. Armstrong founded the university’s museum as the "Curiosity Room" the same year he founded the university.

[5]