John A. Hyman

Trustee, Margaret Beck Pritchard, Remembers John A. Hyman

In 2008, a beloved member of the Williamsburg community passed away, John A. Hyman. His caring nature and generous spirit were well known to many of us who had the privilege of befriending him. He first visited Williamsburg because of his passion for researching and collecting antiques but that interest was quickly superseded by his devotion to Betty Crowe Leviner, who he met only weeks after his initial visit. Twenty years of marriage strengthened their bond and commitment to each other.

John served as a volunteer research assistant for the curatorial division at Colonial Williamsburg for twenty years. He loaned objects from his private collection and shared his expertise for a number of exhibitions at the Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. He also donated important objects to the Foundation. For almost a decade, I had the pleasure of having an office located next to John. During that time, I became aware that John had a myriad of other interests, and that he quietly supported numerous local organizations such as the Heritage Humane Society. Most of his philanthropy, however, took the form of anonymous financial assistance for those in need. Many were generous gifts for which he was not publicly recognized.

Wishing to acknowledge John’s benevolent character and his desire to “make a difference,” his wife, Betty, established the John A. Hyman Fund at the Williamsburg Community Foundation to honor his memory. Her contribution to this fund supports the community endowment in perpetuity, ensuring that John’s philanthropic legacy will continue to support local health and human service organizations, educational opportunities, and cultural enrichment. What a lovely way to be remembered!