James A. Fields House: October 2013

Mission Statement

The mission of the James A. Fields House, Inc. is to promote the historical, educational, and cultural legacy of Americans of African heritage in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia; to support tourism In Virginia; and to restore and preserve the landmark of the first black hospital in the city of Newport News, Virginia (Whittaker Memorial Hospital) through educational programs and historical tours within the Hampton Roads area.

Address: 617 27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607

Phone Number: (757) 245-1991

Email: jafieldshouse@hotmail.com

Hours of Operation: By Appointment

Admissions: Suggested Donations: $3 Adults, $2 Students, Senior & Military, Free, ages 12 & under.

About James A. Fields

Born a slave in Hanover County, Virginia, James Apostles Fields found refuge at Fort Monroe during the Civil War in 1862 as a “contraband of war.” Fields was in the first graduating class of Hampton Normal and Agricultural School (now Hampton University) in 1871. He was the first black judicial officer in Warwick County (now Newport News). In 1881, Fields graduated from the School of Law of Howard University in Washington, D.C.Mr. Fields used the property at 617-27th Street in the year 1897 as his law office and primary residence until his death in 1903. This address was just one of the fifteen properties owned by Mr. Fields in the city of Newport News.

Group Tours

We offer group tours throughout the Hampton Roads area in Virginia. Group tours can be scheduled Tuesday through Saturday. Tours can be tailored to special needs and interest. Reservations should be made for groups of 10 or more two (2) weeks in advance before the date of the tour. There is a fee for tours based on the size of the group.

Group tours are escorted by trained guides who are knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic about sharing the living history of Americans of African heritage who contributed to the history of the Hampton Roads area in Virginia. Our goal is to provide a truly memorable experience of history for each and every participant.

Group Tours Complement:

James A. Fields House

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Monday, October 21, 2013

Flight to Freedom