J. Thomas Newsome House, African-American house museum in Newport News, United States.
The J. Thomas Newsome House is a residential building in Queen Anne style in Newport News. The structure features a steeply sloped roof, a three-sided bay window, a front Palladian window, and a two-story corner tower.
The house was built in 1898 and belonged to J. Thomas Newsome, a Black attorney and community advocate. He worked for education and voting rights in his community until 1942.
The house shows how African-American middle-class families lived and succeeded after the Civil War through their everyday spaces. Visitors see personal objects and documents that reveal a household of education, professional standing, and community engagement.
The museum is located in a residential neighborhood and is accessible by car or on foot. Visitors should check opening hours ahead of time, as the building is not open every day.
The house was the first African-American owned structure to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. This distinction honored not only the building itself but also the family's impact on local history.
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