Lucy Addison

Lucy Addison (December 8, 1861 in Upperville, Virginia – November 13, 1937 in Washington, D.C.) was an African American school teacher and principal. In 2011, Addison was honored as one of the Library of Virginia's "Virginia Women in History" for her contributions to education.

Personal life Addison was born on December 8, 1861, in Upperville, Virginia, to Charles Addison and Elizabeth Anderson Addison, both of whom were enslaved. She was the third child born to the couple and the second daughter. After her family was emancipated, Lucy's father purchased farmland in Fauquier County and Addison began attending school. She later traveled to Philadelphia to attend the Institute for Colored Youth and graduated with a teaching degree in 1882. Addison kept her skills current by attending continuing education classes at schools, including Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania. She later served in several supervisory positions, including as a member of the board of trustees for the Burrell Memorial Hospital. Although the school was only accredited to teach up to the eighth grade, Addison expanded the curriculum to include high school level classes while also continually lobbying the Virginia State Board of Education for full accreditation. Her work came to fruition in 1924, when the board granted the school full accreditation and the school graduated several students with a high school diploma. In 1973, the school was restructured and became the Lucy Addison Junior High School, which was later renamed the Lucy Addison Middle School.