About HI Museum

Museum Public Operating Hours Below:

  • Monday — Wednesday, by Appointment Only
    (please call the Museum, 252-430-0616, at least 72 hours in advance to schedule a visit)
  • Thursday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Saturday, (2 nd and 4 th ), 11:00 AM to 2 PM

A group of ten or more must call the Museum, 252-430-0616, 72 hours in advance to schedule a visit.


About HI Museum

Purpose  

Franklin D. Roosevelt Quote

The Henderson Institute Historical Museum:

  • Maintains a repository of artifacts, oral and written records, books, photographs, and printed materials pertaining to the education of African Americans that attended Henderson Institute.
  • Promotes research relative to the African American culture and history in North Carolina.
  • Provides a meeting and office facility for the Henderson Institute Graduates and Former Students Association and other local civic organizations who will host cultural and social events relative to the Museum’s Mission.
  • Informs and educates the general public about the important role that Henderson Institute played in the entire Vance County community from 1891 – 1970.
Founders of HI Historical Museum
Founders of Henderson Institute Historical Museum

Directors / Curator

Mr. Wendell Taylor

Mr. Wendell Taylor 1st Director

Wendell Taylor was the first Museum Director from 1986 – 1992. He was born in Vance County’s Rocky Ford Community. Wendell was a graduate of the Henderson Institute Class of 1933. After graduation, he studied Art and Engineering at Howard University. Moving back to Henderson in 1983, Wendell became president of the Alumni Association. He was instrumental in the establishment of the museum. With a degree in Art and Design, Mr. Taylor was a natural choice to become the museum’s 1st Director.


Mrs. Ruth Burt

Mrs. Ruth Burt

Mrs. Ruth Burt, a graduate of the class of 1938 and former Board Member reached out to the State Board of Education with a request for ownership of the Henderson Institute Library Science Building located on the campus. The State Board agreed to lease the land to the Association if they agreed to create a 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Organization. They agreed and proceeded to comply with the request. As such the Nonprofit was created and the Association took ownership of the Building which is now the Henderson Institute Historical Museum.


Mrs. Edna Scott

Mrs. Edna Scott

Mrs. Edna Scott was born and raised in Vance County. She was a member of the graduating class of 1961. She was appointed the Henderson Institute Historical Museum’s Curator in 2010 and has since retired from this position. 

The Henderson Institute’s last principal, Mr. C.V. Knight, recommended her for this role. Her main goal was to raise public awareness in Vance County about the Museum’s history and offer educational experiences for all ages.