Della Irving Hayden facts for kids

Della Irving Hayden, from an 1893 publication

Della Irving Hayden (1851-1924) was an amazing American educator. She believed in the power of learning. In 1904, she started the Franklin Normal and Industrial Institute in Virginia. This school helped many people get an education.

Della's Early Life and Learning

Della Irving was born into slavery. She grew up with her grandmother in Tarboro, North Carolina. In 1865, after slavery ended, she was reunited with her mother. Della went to school in Franklin, Virginia.

Graduating from Hampton

In 1877, Della graduated from Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. While at Hampton, she met famous students like Booker T. Washington. At her graduation, Della gave a speech called "Our Work as Women." She even won a special prize from the First Lady, Lucy Webb Hayes.

Della's Teaching Career

Della Irving started teaching in rural Virginia in 1875. This was during a break from her studies at Hampton. She loved helping others learn.

Leading Schools

In 1881, Della Irving Hayden became the principal of a school in Franklin. She held this important job for nine years. Later, in 1890, she returned to her old school, Hampton Institute. There, she served as the "lady principal." She also worked as "lady principal" at the State Normal School at Petersburg for thirteen years.

Starting Her Own School

In 1904, Della started her own school. It was called the Franklin Normal and Industrial Institute. She was its principal. By 1916, the school had buildings and land. It even had a small farm. Many young women could live and study there. Della raised money from donations to keep the school going. She once wrote, "I have been trying to teach my people to help themselves. It has been my heart's desire to help elevate my race."

Community Work

Della was also very active in her community. She led local groups like the Women's Christian Temperance Union. She was also involved with the Home Missionary Society. Della led the Virginia Teachers' Temperance Union. She was active with the Young Women's Christian Association. She also held leadership roles in the county's Sunday School Union.

Della's Family and Legacy

In 1880, Della Irving married Lindsay Hayden. He was also a school principal and a Hampton graduate. Sadly, he passed away just a few months after their wedding.

Her Passing and Memorials

Della passed away in 1924 at 73 years old. It was in an automobile accident in Franklin. In 1927, a large monument was built in her memory. It stands at Southview Cemetery.

Honoring Her Name

In 1953, Hayden High School in Franklin was named after Della I. Hayden. Today, that site is the Hayden Village Center. It's a place for seniors in the community. In 2016, Della Irving Hayden was named one of the "15 Most Influential People in Western Tidewater History." This was by Progress magazine. In 2018, her name was added to the Wall of Honor. This is part of the Virginia Women's Monument at the Virginia Capitol.