Historic HBCUs Nearby — Bagley Family Reunion 2026
Hampton Roads & Central Virginia

Historic HBCUs Nearby

Virginia is home to some of the nation's most storied Historically Black Colleges and Universities — several are just a short drive from the hotel. Take a moment to visit campus during the reunion weekend.

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Virginia has one of the highest concentrations of HBCUs in the country. Several of these legendary institutions are within easy driving distance of the Renaissance Portsmouth — a meaningful way to connect with Black history and excellence during the reunion weekend.

Day Trip 🚗 2 hrs Est. 1867

Howard University

📍 2400 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059 · "The Mecca"

Chartered by Congress in 1867, Howard is one of the most storied HBCUs in the nation — home to Founders Library, the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, and a legacy of producing leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Vice President Kamala Harris. A meaningful stop if your travels bring you through DC.

🏛️ Founders Library 🦬 Bison 📜 "The Mecca"
Closest Campus 🚗 12 min Est. 1935

Norfolk State University

📍 700 Park Ave, Norfolk, VA 23504

Founded during the Great Depression as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University, NSU grew into one of the largest HBCUs in the nation. Its 134-acre campus sits in the heart of Norfolk, just minutes from the reunion hotel — the closest HBCU to your stay.

🟢 Spartans 🔬 Optical Engineering 📻 WNSB Radio
Worth the Drive 🚗 1.5 hrs Est. 1882

Virginia State University

📍 1 Hayden Dr, Petersburg, VA 23806

Founded in 1882 as the first fully state-supported four-year institution of higher learning for Black Americans in the country. Its scenic campus overlooks the Appomattox River near historic Petersburg, just south of Richmond.

🦁 Trojans 🏛️ First of Its Kind 🌊 Appomattox River
Worth the Drive 🚗 1.5 hrs Est. 1865

Virginia Union University

📍 1500 N Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23220

One of the oldest HBCUs in the nation, founded in 1865 just after the Civil War. Its striking granite Gothic-style Belgian Building and Coburn Hall give the campus a distinctive, historic character in the heart of Richmond.

🛕 Belgian Building ⛪ Founded 1865 🏙️ Richmond, VA
Day Trip 🚗 1 hr Est. 1891

Elizabeth City State University

📍 1704 Weeksville Rd, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Just across the North Carolina border, ECSU has served the region since 1891. A quieter campus experience set near the Pasquotank River, popular for its aviation and unmanned systems programs.

🦅 Vikings ✈️ Aviation Program 🌊 Pasquotank River

Make the most of your campus visit

  • Norfolk State University is the closest HBCU to the hotel — just 12 minutes away. A great option for a quick visit between reunion events.
  • Hampton University is about 25 minutes away and well worth the trip — don't miss the Emancipation Oak and the Hampton University Museum.
  • If you have a free afternoon, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University in the Richmond area make for a meaningful day trip — both are about 1.5 hours away.
  • Most campuses welcome visitors to walk the grounds — campus tours and admissions office visits typically require advance scheduling on weekdays.
  • Check each university's website or call ahead before visiting, as summer hours and building access may be limited.
  • These campuses are living monuments to Black excellence and resilience — a meaningful way to connect family history with the broader story of Black education in America.
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