In Recognition of V. Chapman-Smith, a Leader of Public History in Philadelphia

V. Chapman Smith addresses the volunteer judges at NHD Philly in 2017. 

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is sad to report the passing of an important member of the history community, V. Chapman-Smith, on May 17, 2025.  V. was the Regional Coordinator for thirteen years of National History Day Philadelphia, a public history program through which middle and high school students choose a topic, conduct original research, and present historical narratives in papers, exhibits, documentaries, websites, and performances.  As the Regional Administrator for the National Archives Mid-Atlantic Region, V. led the effort to bring together school administrators, teachers, curators, librarians, and other volunteers to support the regional competition. 

When the National Archives decided that it could no longer support the program, V. recruited HSP to nurture and sustain it in 2022.  In 2025, HSP created the V. Chapman-Smith Excellence Award which was presented for the first time at National History Day Philadelphia by HSP’s Librarian and CEO to the project deemed to be the outstanding submission at this year’s competition.  Her children Veronica and Robert participated in presenting the award.  

2025 Senior Division competitors Eoin D., Corinne X., and Owen K. were awarded the V. Chapman Smith Prize for Excellence for their Group Documentary, “From Class to Court: How Lau v. Nichols Reaffirmed the Right to Equitable Education.” V. Chapman Smith’s children, Veronica (far right) and Robert (far left) helped present the award in their mother’s honor. 

V. was one of the driving forces behind the Octavius Catto monument at City Hall, the first public sculpture dedicated to a Black person in Philadelphia.  She also worked to introduce Catto’s work as an educator and Civil Rights activist into the curriculum of the Philadelphia School District.  

Chapman-Smith was a trustee of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, whose papers are preserved and accessible at HSP.  She served on the boards of the Greater Philadelphia Federal Executive Board and the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA).   She earned a B.A. in German Language and History from Lycoming College and completed graduate studies in History at Temple University.  

The staff, volunteers, and Board of Councilors of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania send their condolences to V.’s husband Robert and her children Veronica and Robert. Please read testimonials about V.’s impact and legacy from the history community at the National History Day Philly’s website.  

V. Chapman Smith (left) and her husband Robert (right) are joined by Kerry Sautner (center) and the participating junior division students and teachers at the NHD Philly competition in 2017, hosted at the National Constitution Center.