Statement of Significance (as of designation - May 30, 1974):
Founded by the American Missionary Association to train selected young Black men and women to "teach and lead their people, first by example...", Hampton Normal and Industrial Institute opened in April 1868 with 2 teachers and 15 students; today, it is a fully accredited liberal arts college with an international faculty and student body. The Institute served as a model for numerous Black industrial schools subsequently founded to aid the freedmen; Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskeegee Institute, was himself a graduate of this school.

The Foundation of Mansion House is in a state of extensive disrepair due to aging and environmental attack on the construction materials. This consists primarily of disintegrated masonry and woodwork, to the extent that movements in the structure above have developed. The foundation walls were constructed of soft burned salmon bricks and many have been reduced to powder due to years of exposure to moisture and cyclic temperature changes. Temporary shores exist under the floors of the front and back parlors. Floor joists are weakened by decay and by notches cut for electrical and other utilities. Floors are creaking and spongy. There is outward buckling of the east exterior wall on the first two floors. The first floor suffers from unevenness and evidence of movement. . The third has excessive floor slopes, cracked plaster and inadequate sized joists.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Structural repairs are needed to alleviate damage to foundation walls, joists, floors, walls, and roof framing system. Replacement of electric wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning is required. The only items included are those which must be replaced due to structural repairs. Damproofing is needed to include new slate roof, copper gutters, and downspouts and exterior wall surface and wood trim restoration. Excessive floor slopes, cracked plaster, skewed doors, and window openings and buckling of the ease exterior wall all must be repaired.