Vivian Davidson Hewitt

Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt (February 17, 1920 – May 29, 2022) was an American art collector, specializing in African-American art, and a librarian. She was Pittsburgh’s first African American librarian, and later became the first African American president of the Special Libraries Association. In 2016, she was awarded the honorary title of Dame by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.

Early life and education Vivian Davidson was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on February 17, 1920. She was the fourth, out of five, children to Arthur Davidson, a waiter and butler, and his wife Lela, a teacher. Her parents were born in North Carolina; they moved to New Castle when Arthur was offered the position of butler to a Pennsylvania senator. Vivian Davidson attended the North Street School, George Washington Junior High and New Castle Senior High.

Davidson received her bachelor's degree from Geneva College, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, in 1943. At Geneva, she studied French and psychology, was a member of the French and Writers clubs, and served as co-editor of The Chimes. The center was renamed the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in 2009. The John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art includes work by Romare Bearden, Margaret Burroughs, Elizabeth Catlett, Jonathan Green, Jacob Lawrence, Ann Tanksley, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.

The Hewitts also donated about 60 pieces of art to Geneva College, her alma mater. "The Vivian Davidson Hewitt Collection: A Multicultural Legacy" was exhibited in 2011. The Hewitt collection is permanently housed in the East Reading Room of the Macartney Library. The Hewitts had one child, Dr. John Hamilton Hewitt III (1952-2022). She is survived by two granddaughters, and ten great grandchildren.

Awards and honors In 1978, Hewitt received an honorary doctorate from Geneva College.

In 2001, she was honored by Queen Elizabeth II with appointment to the Venerable Order of St John as a Serving Sister. She was promoted to Officer Sister in 2004, Commander Sister in 2009, and finally Dame in 2016.

In 2011, Hewitt was the speaker at Geneva College's annual Dr. King Night of the Arts.