An Introduction to Her Purposeful Life

Over 100 years ago, Adrienne McNeil Herndon was remembered posthumously by a poem entitled "In Memoriam." It issued the challenge that her life and legacy be used "To noble purpose."  In the spirit of Adrienne's memory, this blog is intended to raise awareness about the life of this extraordinary African-American dramatic artist and educator.  Her place and importance in American history is a story worth telling and knowing.  In addition to sharing tidbits of interesting information about Adrienne, I will also post here the progression of my research and writing on Adrienne's life.  My work builds on the seminal work of Dr. Carole Merritt, author of The Herndons:  An Atlanta Family.

Adrienne Elizabeth McNeil was born in Augusta, Georgia and grew up in Savannah, Georgia.  She later attended Atlanta University Normal School, where she received training to become an educator.  Adrienne became the wife of Atlanta's first black millionaire, Alonzo Herndon.  Her husband had been born into slavery and after emancipation he acquired great wealth through barbering, real estate, and through what became known as Atlanta Life Insurance Agency. 

Although it was the expectation of married women of her era to be caretakers of children and the home, Adrienne stepped outside of those roles significantly.  As a condition of her marriage, she had her husband to pledge his support to her professional aspirations.  She wanted to become an actress on the legitimate American stage.  By passing for a white woman named Anne DuBignon, Adrienne furthered her education and obtained degrees from the Boston School of Expression and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.  

As the first Head of Drama and Elocution at Atlanta University, Adrienne was one of the most educated women in Atlanta.  She was well-respected by many, including by her AU colleagues, George Towns and W.E.B. DuBois.  Adrienne taught at AU from 1895 - 1910 and became known for the extraordinary Shakespearean productions she staged at the university.  Due to racial barriers, which confined African-American actors to vaudeville and minstrelsy, Adrienne was unable to achieve success on the American stage.  

She placed her artistic talents in college productions, dramatic readings, and as primary architect of The Herndon Home.  Adrienne's artistic talents are evidenced from  the two-story Beaux Arts Classical mansion's elegant and meticulously designed interior to its stately columns and terrace rooftop.

Three months after the mansion was completed, Adrienne died of Addison's disease at the age of 40.  Her only son, Norris, stipulated that after his death, the home would serve as a standing memorial to his mother.  The Herndon Home, a house museum, is located at 587 University Place, Atlanta, Georgia 30314 and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays.  For more information, call (404) 581-9813.