HAMPTON HOUSE

Built in 1904, the Hampton House was named in January of 1905 after the Hampton Institute; a historically black industrial school in Hampton, Virginia that served as a model for Penn School’s change into Penn Normal. Hampton Institute’s historical relationship with the Penn Center is a significant one; even sponsoring Penn Center between 1901 and 1917. Hampton was designed to house two resident teachers with two more rooms for guests. Early principals of Penn - Rose Cooley and Grace House - lived in Hampton and entertained guests by hosting events such as tea parties, on occasion even using the house for weddings. Hampton House is surrounded by a field of oak trees and yucca plants. Palmetto and pine trees were planted around the house by Penn students. The house today accommodates overnight guests of Penn Center.