Henry H. Hill Collection
Scope and Content
The Henry H. Hill collection consists of historical and genealogical research compiled by Hill during his lifetime in southwest Virginia. Research includes Hill biographical information (1941-50), Blacksburg history and Montgomery County (1798-1951, n.d.), VPI (1891, n.d.), Civil War history (1863-1963, n.d.), and genealogical information and biographical sketches (1821-1950, n.d.).
The collection is comprised almost exclusively of photocopies and typescripts, so the dates reflected above are from the original source of the typescript and not the actual dates of the material. The dates of the material are included in the contents list.
In addition, a collection of glass plate negatives and film negatives was donated in the early 2000s. These consist of campus views, images of footballs players/teams/events, cadet life, and images of individuals and art works.
Dates
- Creation: 1908-1963, n.d.
Creator
- Hill, Henry H. (Henry Harris Bunker) (Collector, Person)
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research.
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Biographical/Historical Information
A native of Scottsville, Virginia, Henry Harris (Bunker) Hill was associated with VPI as a student and professor for more than half a century. He received his B.S. in Chemistry in 1907, and his M.S. in the same subject in 1909. In 1907, Hill was appointed Assistant Chemist, and in 1913 Associate Chemist of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station. Before retiring from VPI in 1950, he served seven years as the head of the Agricultural Chemistry department.
Henry Hill was involved in the community, serving as Elder in the Presbyterian church, as well as being an officer in the Montgomery County Democratic Committee for several years. Hill also served as the Executive Secretary of the VPI Alumni Association, along with being the publicist for the Athletic Association.
Full Extent
1.0 Cubic Feet (5 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
In 2017, this collection was arranged into series based on the previous organzation by material types. Series I: Henry H. Hill Biographical Information includes a folder of biographical materials about Hill, created in the early 1940s. Series II: Blacksburg History and Montgomery County contains compliled research notes on local history, primarily photocopies. Series III: Virginia Polytechnic Institute includes research files on the history of the university, in particular, the case of three dismissed faculty members in 1891. This series also contains the collection of glass plate and film negatives. Series IV: Genealogical Information consists of photocopies and typscripts of research on a number of local/regional families, including, but not limited to: Appersons, Blacks, Prices, and Prestons. Series V: Subject Files is comprised of research materials (again, mostly photocopies and typescripts) realting to local Civil War history and other topics of interest to Hill.
Acquisition Information
This collection was donated by Mrs. Douglas Boynton of Roanoke, Virginia in May 1980. Additional materials (glass plate negatives) were donated in the early 2000s.
Processing Information
Processing of materials received in the 1970s and 1980s was completed in 2004. Additional processing, arrangement, and description was completed in 2017 when the glass plate negatives were added.
Topical
- Title
- A Guide to the Henry H. Hill Collection 1908-1963, n.d.
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Clayton McGahee
- Date
- © 2004 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Description is in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu