Descendants of the Enslaved

An ethnographic study for Hampton NHS beginning in 2017 led to the research identifying numerous descendants of the enslaved. New discoveries continue to be found frequently about the lives of the enslaved, their families, and their descendants. These include where they went after leaving Hampton to what they accomplished, from having a variety of successful careers such a caterer and dressmaker to going into politics and becoming educators. Freed Enslaved people and descendants of the Enslaved have gone on to do great things throughout history and play a huge role in communities.

A number of the Descendants are now becoming closely involved with Hampton NHS and its programs, projects, and initiatives. The compilation of people and their stories will continue to grow as more is discovered.

 

Together, let's continue to learn more.
For questions, additional information, or to share information with us, please contact the Hampton NHS Descendant Engagement Staff.

 

Families

• 

  The Cummings Family

  Learn about the activism and public service of the Cummings family.

• 

  The Hawkins Family

  Learn about the Hawkins family life in freedom and their descendants.

• 

  The Wicks Family

  Learn how the Wicks family reunited in freedom and built a community.

 

 

Learn More

• 

  Revealing the Lives of the Enslaved

  A recent Ethnographic Study uncovered major information on the lives of those enslaved at Hampton and their descendants. Read about it here.

• 

  Chattel Slavery at Hampton

  From the colonial period through 1864, the Ridgelys enslaved over 500 people, from young children to the elderly.

• 

  Learn about more

  People of Hampton

  Hundreds of people lived, worked, and were enslaved at Hampton coinciding America's development as a nation. Explore more of their stories.