Discover a moving chapter of American history with the Hampton Album: Faces of Early African & Native Heritage. This inviting softcover collection opens a window into the late 19th century, presenting the groundbreaking photography of Frances Benjamin Johnston—one of the nation’s pioneering women photojournalists. Commissioned in 1899, Johnston captured the daily life and vibrant spirit of the students and teachers at Hampton Institute, an innovative school dedicated to empowering African American and Native American communities following the Civil War. Within this album, you’ll find 43 beautifully reproduced portraits drawn from Johnston’s original platinum prints. Each Hampton Album image offers a heartfelt, respectful look at moments of learning, camaraderie, and determination, bringing to life a community’s pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Johnston’s photographs don’t just document faces; they tell stories of resilience and hope, reflecting the dreams and dignity of those who walked the halls of Hampton Institute. The journey of the Hampton Album is as fascinating as its photographs. Once lost and rediscovered in a Washington, DC, bookstore during World War II, the original collection now resides at the Museum of Modern Art. First exhibited to international acclaim in Paris in 1900, these images continue to inspire and provoke reflection. Perfect for history buffs, art admirers, and advocates for social progress alike, the Hampton Album is a timeless tribute to the power of education, community, and the enduring human spirit.