The Hackett family immigrated to San Francisco in 1885, when James Alexander Hackett along with his wife, Alice, and daughter, Sadie, came to San Francisco in search of employment at the advice of his first cousin, Charles Calvin Petty, a pastor at Starr King Zion Church in San Francisco, California. Two brothers of James Alexander, Sylvester R. and Charles C. Hackett, would both also move to California. James Alexander and Alice Hackett (née Hickerson) were one of the first African American families to settle in Alameda, California, where they eventually constructed a house at 1608 Union St. and resided with their twelve children, Sadie, Nora, Myrtle, Luther, Arthur J., Latrecia, Paul, Teresa, Lincoln, Alice E., Grace E., and Josephine.
The Hackett Family Papers consist of mostly portrait photographs of family members and friends and assorted printed material that includes short biographies of members of the family, a photocopy of a diploma of Tyra D. Hackett, an appointment book, and a collection of calendars.
Guide to the Hackett Family Papers
Available at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO)
We encourage researchers to contact AAMLO before visiting so that we can be prepared to assist you. Please call 510-637-2000 or email aamlo@oaklandlibrary.org to arrange an appointment or inquire about access.
