Use Restrictions

None

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for use without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Box/folder, Henry I. Willett Papers, M 236, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University

Biographical/Historical Information

A native of Gloucester, Va., Mr. Willett held a bachelor's degree at the College of William and Mary and a master's degree from Columbia University. He also did graduate work at Stanford University. Mr. Willett began his career as a teaching principal at Sugar Grove School in Smyth County. He then served for thirteen years as the principal of the combined elementary and high schools at Churchland and Cradock, now located in the city of Chesapeake. From 1939 until 1942, Willett served as the director of instruction and assistant superintendent of Augusta County schools.Mr. Willett joined the Richmond City schools in 1946 after serving as superintendent of the Norfolk County schools during World War II, when the school system had almost doubled in size. In Richmond, Willett reorganized the schools by instituting the 12 year system and making many curriculum changes including new or increased emphasis on the three R's, speech instruction and early childhood education. He presided over building expansion, expanded foreign language instruction, programs for slow learners, advanced placement for gifted students, educational television and educational experiments. Under his leadership the city system opened a technical education and mathematics-science centers.Considered an authority on public school management and curriculum and methods of teacher training, he was in demand as a lecturer, visitor and participant in national and international education conferences. Mr. Willett served the Richmond City schools for twenty-three (1946-1969) and a half years before retiring to join the VCU school of Education faculty. Mr. Willett served as acting President of VCU after the untimely death of Dr. Edward Temple in 1977. Henry Willett died 20 March 1986 at the age of 81.

Scope and Contents

The collection contains materials covering Willett's years with the Richmond City schools and includes reports, studies and notebooks of his speeches before different organizations.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Educators -- Archives -- Virginia
• Public schools -- Curricula.
• Public schools -- Management.
• Richmond Public Schools (Va.) -- History -- 20th century
• School administrators -- Archives. -- Virginia
• Teachers -- Training of.
• Virginia Commonwealth University -- Faculty -- Archives
• Willett, Henry I. -- Archives