Virginia State Federation of C.W.C. headquarters building in Hampton

The headquarters of the Virginia State Federation of C.W.C. (Colored Women’s Clubs) sits in the heart of Hampton, in the middle of the historic Pasture Point neighborhood at 123 East Pembroke Avenue.  Like much of Hampton, this house is steeped in important history that has largely been untold.

Essential to this story is Janie Porter Barrett, a highly influential and important Hamptonian who lived a life of social activism, altruism and patriotism, fueled by a love of her fellow man.

Janie Porter Barrett was born in 1865 in Macon, Georgia.  She graduated from Hampton Institute in 1884 and became a teacher in Georgia.  In 1896 she returned to Hampton to teach and in 1889 she married Harris Barrett, the cashier and bookkeeper at Hampton Institute.  After her marriage, Janie Porter Barrett became interested in social services and improving home and community life for others.  In 1890, she established the Locust Street Settlement, providing social services for needy African American women, children and elderly.  Out of growing concern that young African American girls were being unnecessarily placed in jails for lack of an alternative, in 1908, Janie Porter Barrett founded the Virginia State Federation of C.W.C.  She raised $5,000 to buy a farm in Hanover County and open a residential school for African American young women.  The school became a rehabilitation center and placed girls in foster homes and offered personal support and counseling and job placement.  Janie Porter Barrett and the school received national recognition, including accolades from the White House Conference on Child Health and Protection and the Russell Sage Foundation.

There are few members of this important organization left to fund and care for the headquarters, its contents and legacy.  Dr. Mary T. Christian is working together with Dr. Colita Fairfax from Norfolk State University and others to ensure this important piece of Hampton history is not only preserved but that the Virginia State Federation of C.W.C. finds continued purpose and continues to grow. 

Special thanks go to Hampton resident Bob Martin, who dedicates his personal time and resources to maintain the house and its grounds.