Races, Negroes: United States. Virginia. Hampton. Hampton Normal and Industrial School: Agencies Promoting Assimilation of the Negro. Training for Commercial and Industrial Employment. Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, Hampton, Va.: Class in Physics. 1899 - 1900

Editor: This photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston, titled "Class in Physics," shows students at the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The students' formal dress stands out, contrasting with what I imagine a typical physics lab would be. What strikes you about this image? Curator: The photograph offers a fascinating view into the complex history of institutions like Hampton. Johnston’s image underscores the school's mission to provide industrial and agricultural training to African Americans, but within the strict social and political context of the time. Note the title, "Agencies Promoting Assimilation of the Negro." Editor: Assimilation? Curator: Yes, the image reflects a specific moment in American history where education for African Americans was often tied to ideas about social control and assimilation into the dominant culture. The image isn't simply documenting a class; it's participating in a larger conversation about race, education, and social mobility. Editor: I never thought of it that way; I was only thinking of the science being taught. Thanks for the context!