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The Colson Hill Family Papers document one of the most unique African-American families in the United States. This manuscript group covers this family's life and activities in the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1834-1984. These papers document the family's involvement with: The establishment of Liberia, the Underground Railroad, the establishment of Virginia State University, public education in Petersburg and in Virginia, the readjuster party, business in Petersburg and the social and community activities in the African American community as well. Not only did Miss Colson become keeper of the family papers, her long an outstanding career led to the creation of a large number of records documenting her productive life as well. Miss Colson was a teacher and a teacher of teachers. She was a student and believer in the idea that education could solve societies social, political, and economic ills. The papers provide a window into several aspects of African American society rarely scene. The bulk of the materials is in the form on correspondence, however, there are numerous printed items and photographs as well. The papers are quite useful for the study of: History of Education, Women's History, Local History, Family History, and Social and Economic History.