Vivian Davidson Hewitt facts for kids

Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt (born February 17, 1920 – died May 29, 2022) was an amazing American art collector and a librarian. She was the very first African American librarian in Pittsburgh. Later, she became the first African American president of a group called the Special Libraries Association. Vivian and her husband, John Hewitt, collected art for over 50 years. Their collection of African-American artwork is considered one of the best! You can see it at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2016, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain even gave her a special honor, making her a Dame.

About Vivian Hewitt

Her Early Life

Vivian Davidson was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on February 17, 1920. She was the fourth of five children. Her father, Arthur Davidson, worked as a waiter and butler. Her mother, Lela, was a teacher. Her parents were from North Carolina. They moved to New Castle when her father got a job with a Pennsylvania senator. Vivian went to North Street School, George Washington Junior High, and New Castle Senior High.

Her Career as a Librarian

Vivian finished her bachelor's degree at Geneva College, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, in 1943. The next year, in 1944, she earned a master's degree in library science. She got this degree from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. After graduating, Hewitt was hired as a senior assistant librarian there. She is believed to be the first African-American librarian to work in Pittsburgh.

In 1949, she moved to Atlanta. She took a job as an instructor and librarian at Atlanta University. This school is now called Clark Atlanta University. In 1949, she met John H. Hewitt, who was a professor at Morehouse College. They got married that same year. Their only child, John Hamilton Hewitt III, was born in 1952.

In 1953, Hewitt moved to New York City. She worked for the Crowell-Collier Publishing Co.. Then she became the librarian at the Rockefeller Foundation. In 1963, Hewitt started working as the librarian for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She stayed there until she retired in 1983. From 1978 to 1979, she also served as the first black president of the Special Libraries Association (SLA).

The John and Vivian Hewitt Art Collection

Vivian and John Hewitt started collecting art when they traveled. They were especially interested in art from Haiti. They also knew many African-American artists in New York. They bought art directly from these artists. Over 50 years, they collected hundreds of drawings, paintings, and etchings.

Fifty-eight pieces from their collection were bought by Bank of America. These artworks were then given to the Afro-American Cultural Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2009, this center was renamed the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. The John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art includes works by famous artists. Some of these artists are Romare Bearden, Margaret Burroughs, Elizabeth Catlett, Jonathan Green, Jacob Lawrence, Ann Tanksley, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.

The Hewitts also gave about 60 pieces of art to Geneva College. This was Vivian's old school. These artworks are part of the Vivian Davidson Hewitt Collection. They are always on display in the Macartney Library.

Her Later Life and Honors

Vivian Hewitt passed away at her home in Manhattan on May 29, 2022. She was 102 years old.

In 1984, Vivian Hewitt was honored by the Special Libraries Association. She was added to their Hall of Fame.

In 2001, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom honored her. Vivian was appointed as a Serving Sister in the Venerable Order of St John. She received higher honors in the Order over the years. She became an Officer Sister in 2004, a Commander Sister in 2009, and finally a Dame in 2016.