Michael Hearn from Pittsfield, MA, and his sister, Michelle Fletcher of Georgetown, DE, descendants of Chandler Hill, recently donated a box filled with Hill family memorabilia to the Hill House Museum. The collection includes early photographs, postcards, Hill family recipes, and letters. It was a fantastic opportunity to receive such valuable items.

For those unfamiliar with Chandler Hill, he was the brother of the Hill sisters' father, John T. Hill Jr., making him their uncle. After both brothers returned from the Civil War, they lived in the Hill House with their respective wives. By the 1870s, Chandler and his family had moved to the Bain House at the corner of North and Court Streets before relocating to Norfolk. Chandler pursued a career in law, eventually becoming a judge in Norfolk.

A fascinating detail is John T. Hill had five daughters and one son, while Chandler had five sons and one daughter.

This generous donation has provided a deeper understanding of Chandler Hill's side of the family and will be preserved in the Hill family collection. The Hill House Museum sincerely appreciates the time and effort Michael and Michelle put into preserving their family history.