Special Collections & University Archives
Search Special CollectionsHoursMonday - Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm LocationThe Special Collections is located on the east side of the Library on the 3rd floor. Take the stairs and turn left or take the elevator nearest the Circulation desk and turn right. Contact InformationPatricia W. & J. Douglas Perry Library |
The Papers of Dr. Charles Ford
BiographyCharles H. Ford was born in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburg, on January 5, 1964. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985, he earned his Masters and Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University. In 1992 he was hired at Norfolk State University (NSU) in Norfolk, Virginia as an assistant professor of history and in 2003 became the Chair of NSU’s History Department. During the 1990s, Ford’s research focused on eighteenth century Britain and the Atlantic World and his first monograph, Hannah More: A Critical Biography, was published in 1996. Later, Ford’s research interests expanded to include the history of slavery, school desegregation and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered issues. Ford’s involvement in the community echoed his research interests and Ford was an active participant at community events, particularly those related to the 50th anniversary of the end of Massive Resistance. His interests in the gay community’s issues were combined with Ford’s community service, including his work with the Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce (TACT). Since 1994, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of TACT in multiple capacities. As of 2010, he was still involved in this organization and, having received tenure in 2007, was named an interim associate dean at NSU. Scope and ContentsThis collection is comprised of items both created and collected by Dr. Charles Ford. It provides documentation of Dr. Ford’s roles as a researcher and promoter of the history of the African American community within Hampton Roads. At the same time, it documents his involvement with gay cultural and activist groups, primarily the Tidewater AIDS Community Task Force. The bulk of the collection is TACT material. The material in the collection is dated from 1983 to 2010, the majority of which is dated between 2005 and 2010. These materials include correspondence, brochures, convention booklets, financial records, minutes, reports, promotional materials, a corporation agreement, invitations, cards, DVDs featuring lectures given by Dr. Ford, documents created by organizations, and articles from newspapers and magazines. The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject. Series DescriptionsSeries I: Professional and Civic Involvement. The material in this series pertains to Dr. Ford’s community involvement regarding the African American community and their history and documenting other professional and public affiliations of Dr. Ford. The researcher can find information on Sister City, the Urban League, Voices from Within the Veil and the 400th celebration of Virginia, Waterways to Freedom exhibit, and material collected from various events featuring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This series contains brochures, conference booklets, correspondence, and event programs dating from March 2005 to 2010. Series II: Research and Publications. The material in this series focuses on Dr. Ford’s research of public school desegregation in Norfolk and the Hampton Roads area. This series features correspondence, brochures, lecture notes, information about his books, and promotional material related to publications and lectures recorded on DVD about desegregation and Massive Resistance in the Hampton Roads area. Material dates from 2004 to 2009. Series III: Tidewater AIDS Community Task Force and Gay Activism. This series documents political and cultural groups in the gay community in Hampton Roads. Items collected related to TACT, the AIDS Fund, Inc., Network VA and the Gay Men’s Book Club. It includes minutes, correspondence, reports, financial records, promotional material, the AIDS Fund, Inc.’s corporation agreement, articles, and bulletins dating from 1983 to 2009. ProvenanceDr. Charles H. Ford, 2008 – 2010. AccessOpen to researchers without restrictions. Questions on literary property rights should be directed to the Special Collections Librarian. SizeOne Hollinger document case. Collection NumberMG 103 Preferred Citation:[Identification of item], Box [number], Folder [number and title], The Papers of the Dr. Charles Ford, Special Collections and University Archives, Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, Old Dominion University Libraries, Norfolk, VA 23529. Container ListingSeries I: Professional and Civic Involvement Folder 1: African American Community Involvement, October 2005 – January 2010 Series II: Research and Publications Folder 3: Massive Resistance and Desegregation in Norfolk, 2004 – 2009 Series III: Tidewater AIDS Community Task Force and Gay Activism Folder 5: AIDS Fund, Inc. Articles of Incorporation, 1983 Revised 2/23/10 |