Who we are
For over a century, Chamberlain-Hunt Academy stood as a symbol of education, discipline, and community identity in Port Gibson. Today, we are committed to giving this historic 1879 campus new life — restoring its legacy while transforming it into a powerful force for economic mobility, youth development, and regional pride. This is more than a renovation. It is a community renaissance.
Our History
Chamberlain-Hunt Academy traces its origins to Oakland College, founded in 1830 by Reverend Jeremiah Chamberlain and supported by philanthropist David Hunt. After Oakland College closed in the aftermath of the Civil War, the academy emerged in 1879 as a beacon of opportunity in Claiborne County. Over the decades, it evolved from a military boarding school to a coeducational institution, with buildings now listed on the National Register of Historic Places including iconic structures such as McComb Hall, Guthrie Hall, and the Old President’s House. These buildings, set among shaded groves of magnolia, pecan, and oak, preserve the architectural character of the early 1900s and represent one of the region’s most culturally significant educational landmarks. Today, the campus remains remarkably intact, featuring dormitories, academic buildings, a gymnasium, athletic facilities, and a 4acre lake as a testament to its former role as a thriving educational hub. Revitalizing means safeguarding a key element of Mississippi’s historical heritage and ensuring that future generations understand the legacy that helped shape the county.
Claiborne County’s Present-Day Needs
Claiborne County faces some of the deepest socioeconomic challenges in Mississippi. With a poverty rate over 27%, and child poverty approaching 34%, many families struggle to access essential opportunities. The median household income sits well below national levels, limiting economic mobility. For young people in the county, the barriers are even more pronounced: high youth poverty, limited exposure to career pathways, and a lack of accessible after-school or weekend activities. Residents must often travel 45 minutes to Natchez or Vicksburg simply for basic entertainment, recreation, or family-friendly outings — an obstacle for households without reliable transportation. As a result, teens and young adults are at greater risk of disengagement, violence, and preventable mortality. The revitalization of Chamberlain- Hunt Academy directly responds to these urgent challenges and positions the campus as a lifeline for youth and families.
Our Vision for Transformation
We envision recreating the campus as a thriving, multi-use center where history intersects with innovation. The revitalized Chamberlain-Hunt American Academy will stand as a preserved historic treasure while being reimagined to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
A Multi-Use Campus Where History Meets Innovation
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The campus will offer vocational training labs, a hospitality program, media studios, and after-school programs that provide safe, constructive environments for local youth and create clear pathways to living-wage careers.
An Educational and Workforce Development Anchor
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With community meeting spaces, recreational areas, and sports facilities, the campus will serve as a cultural and social hub where families gather, students thrive, and residents connect in meaningful ways.
A Cultural and Community Gathering Place
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As an economic anchor for Claiborne County, the new campus will stimulate tourism, support small business development, attract visitors, and generate opportunities that have been missing for decades.
An Engine for Economic Growth and Tourism
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