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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

Sept. 12, 2008

Painting to be dedicated at Martin Hall

by Diana Pounds

It's been about 90 years since Archie and Nancy Martin opened their home to Iowa State's black students, who were struggling to find housing in an era of prejudice.

The couple's hospitality was remembered when a new residence facility was named "Martin Hall" a few years ago. Now, a painting of the Martins will hang in the residence hall.

The portrait, by associate professor of art and design Brenda Jones, will be dedicated during a reception and program Sept. 16. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and the program, at 6:15 p.m., in 2121 Martin Hall. The painting will be unveiled at the event and later will be hung in the Fireplace Room (2103 Martin).

Ames Mayor Ann Campbell, ISU President Gregory Geoffroy and executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman will be among speakers at the dedication.

The painting was commissioned by the Martin Foundation, a group that seeks to maintain the legacy of the Martins. Carlie Tartakov, emeritus professor and a member of the foundation board, said the foundation's latest project is establishing a scholarship for a "student who represents the spirit of the Martins."

The Martin House, as it came to be called, housed the Martin family and several generations of black student boarders in the first half of the 20th century. Famed scientist George Washington Carver, Iowa State's first black student and instructor, had long left ISU for Tuskegee University when the Martin House was built, but he resided there on trips back to Ames. The house still stands at 218 Lincoln Way.

Archie Martin

Archie Martin

Nancy Martin

Nancy Martin

Summary

Portrait dedication

Tuesday, Sept. 16

5:30 p.m.

2121 Martin Hall