[ Esther Thomas Atkinson ]
Esther Thomas Atkinson

Atkinson Museum History

The founder of the Museum, Esther Thomas Atkinson-"Mrs. P.T." as she was universally known, lived at Hampden-Sydney for almost a third of its existence. She came to campus before 1916 and stayed as the wife of Paul Tulane Atkinson, who would become Treasurer of the College. Alarmed by the gradual loss of College history, Mrs. Atkinson began collecting memorabilia.

It was on Homecoming Day 1968 that Mrs. Atkinson displayed a few of her personal momentos on a table in the Parents and Friends Lounge of Venable Hall, thus beginning the effort to collect, restore, and preserve tangible objects reflecting the history of the College. Two years later, the growing collection moved to a spare room in the east end of Bagby Hall, accessible only through the classroom next door. In 1970, the Museum Board was established to set policies and to oversee the development of the Museum.

In 1976, the College Post Office moved into Graham Hall, thus leaving a new home for the Museum and its collection which was renovated for its new purpose. An exhibition was installed commemorating the rich history of the College and a small space in the rear of the building was used for storage. In 1982, the Museum was officially named the Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum of Hampden-Sydney College, and the Museum Associates was established. In 1990, the Student Museum Board, a group of student volunteers to help staff and care for the Museum objects, was established.

As the collection grew, the recognition for additional space was becoming more apparent, both for special exhibitions and storage of objects. In 1993, after a number of existing buildings were considered, the Museum and College Boards made the decision to build on an addition to the existing building. The building was not increased only exhibition space, but also storage space that allowed for a work area. In 1995, the storage and work area was named the Graves H. and Leila B. Thompson Conservation and Collections Center in honor of the two dedicated volunteers at the Museum.

Mrs. Atkinson died on Commencement Day, May 8, 1994, just two months before her 100th birthday. Mary Carroll Herdegen was engaged as the new Director-Curator of the Museum in the fall of 1994 and was instrumental in adding extensive educational programming for students in area schools and colleges.

Dates to Remember

  • 1968: Mrs. Atkinson displays objects connected with the history of the College on a table in Parents and Friends Lounge on Homecoming Day.
  • 1969: A storage room in Bagby Hall is devoted to use as the Museum. The Museum Board is formed.  
  • 1976: The Museum moves into its current building, the former post office, ca 1940.  
  • 1981: The Museum enters into a formal agreement with the College. Members of the Board are to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Museum Board.  
  • 1982: The Museum is named for its founder and Curator. The Museum Associates is established.  
  • 1990: The Student Museum Board is established.  
  • 1993: The addition to the building, more than doubling its space, was dedicated.  
  • 1994: On May 8, Mrs. Atkinson dies at the age of 99.  
  • 2008: The Board is reorganized as the Program Board with eight members and new By-Laws.  
  • 2012: The addition of a Front Foyer and interior changes to the Front Gallery were completed.  

For more information about the history of Hampden-Sydney College, visit the H-SC History web page.

Chairmen of the Museum Board
1970-1980: Willard F. Bliss                                                           
1980-1986: Esther G. Henneman                                       
1986-1989: Elizabeth W. Whitehouse                                
1989-1995: Marian K. Martin                                            
1995-1998: Kaye B. Spalding                                            
1998-2001: W. Hamilton Bryson '63  
2001-2003: Raymond B. Wallace, Jr. '60   
2003-2005: C. Wayne Tucker  
2005-2012: Daniel M. Hawks '61  
2012-2014: Frank Atkinson     
2014-2018: C. Wayne Tucker 
2019-            Nathan Ryalls '11

Atkinson Museum Program Board Members 

Curator/Directors
1968-1994: Esther Thomas Atkinson  
1993-1994: Leila B. and Graves H. Thompson (Assistant Curators)              
1994-1999: Mary Carroll Herdegen  
2000-2006: Lorie A. Mastemaker  
2006-       Angela Way   

 Atkinson Museum Mission

The Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum is a non-profit organization, which operates under the auspices of Hampden-Sydney College. The Museum is administered by an Advisory Board and the Office of the President of the College. The Director/Curator is responsible to the President of the College and reports to the Vice President for Administration for on-going operational purposes.

The Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum supports the College's mission to form good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning by collecting, preserving and interpreting objects that enhance the College's educational offerings and promotes the history of the College and its roll in the history of Virginia and our nation.

The Museum achieves its mission by: 

  • Acquiring relevant objects related to the College curriculum, the history of the College and the region
  • Presenting exhibitions and programs that provide a broader understanding of the curriculum, as well as important issues facing the community and the world
  • Contributing to the life of the College and nearby community by providing an important cultural and historic resource
  • Functioning as the steward for the College's permanent Collections by overseeing its care
  • Providing study and research opportunities for faculty and students