FAMU Hospital Babies, 1911 to 1971
Were you born on the Hill?
For 60 years, FAMU Hospital cared for Tallahassee's Black families and delivered generations of babies on the Florida A&M campus. Born on the Hill is finding those babies, nurses, doctors, and staff so their stories stay with us.
- 1911The year the first campus hospital opened
- 105 bedsThe size of the brick hospital that opened in 1950
- 150 milesFrom 1950 to 1971, the only hospital for Black patients within this distance of Tallahassee
- 1971The year FAMU Hospital closed its doors
The hospital on the Hill
"The Hill" is what generations of Rattlers call the Florida A&M University campus. In 1911, a small wooden hospital opened there under nurse Jennie Virginia Hilyer. The State of Florida now recognizes it as the first healthcare facility in Florida for African Americans.
In December 1950, a five-story, 105-bed brick hospital opened at the top of the hill above South Adams Street. It delivered babies, treated patients from across the region, and trained Black nurses, doctors, and pharmacists who went on to serve all of Florida. The building still stands today as FAMU's Foote-Hilyer Administration Center.
- 1911A 19-bed wooden hospital opens on campus, supervised by nurse Jennie Virginia Hilyer
- 1926Dr. Leonard H.B. Foote becomes medical director
- 1936FAMU starts Florida's first bachelor's degree program in nursing
- 1950The new 105-bed brick hospital opens in December
- 1962The hospital serves about 90,000 people across six counties
- 1967Tallahassee Memorial Hospital takes over operations
- 1971FAMU Hospital closes in December
- 1981The building reopens as the Foote-Hilyer Administration Center
- 2014The State of Florida unveils a historical marker at the site
Why Born on the Hill exists
The building has a recorded history. The people inside it need one too. Born on the Hill connects, catalogues, and shares the memories of everyone who was born, worked, or trained at FAMU Hospital before those stories are lost.
The project started as a Facebook group called FAMU Hospital Babies. It now has a name, a growing list of families, and plans for its first gathering in September 2027.
Find
We're identifying the babies born at FAMU Hospital between 1911 and 1971, plus the people who cared for them.
Record
We're gathering names, birth years, photos, and stories while the people who lived this history can still tell them.
Gather
We're bringing everyone together, starting with the first Born on the Hill event in September 2027.
Meet the coordinator
Shauna Y. Smith, Project Coordinator
Shauna was born on the fourth floor of FAMU Hospital in 1954, while her mother volunteered there with the Gray Ladies. She taught communications at Florida A&M and spent 26 years teaching speech at Tallahassee Community College. In 2021, TCC inducted her into its Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame. Today she is working to make sure every FAMU Hospital baby knows their story matters.
"I hope the impact will have you feel a sense of ownership."
Is this you?
Born there
You were born at FAMU Hospital between 1911 and 1971.
Worked there
You were a doctor, nurse, or staff member at the hospital.
Trained there
You were a nursing or pharmacy student who learned on its floors.
Family of the Hill
Your parent, grandparent, or loved one was born or worked there, and you want their story counted.
Save the date
The first Born on the Hill gathering
September 2027 in Tallahassee. The date, place, and program are coming soon. Sign up and you'll hear about it first.
Get Born on the Hill updates
Add your name to the list. You'll get news about the project, the September 2027 gathering, and ways to share your story.
Thank you. You're on the list.
While you wait for our first update, come say hello in the Facebook group.
Join the Facebook groupJoin the FAMU Hospital Babies on Facebook
Our private Facebook group is where members share birth stories, old photos, and memories of the hospital. It's private, so an admin will approve your request. Answer the join questions so we know your connection to the Hill.
FAQ
Where was FAMU Hospital?
On the Florida A&M University campus at 1700 South Adams Street in Tallahassee. The building is now the Foote-Hilyer Administration Center, and a state historical marker stands in front of it.
I wasn't born there. Can I still join?
Yes. If you worked or trained at the hospital, or a family member was born or worked there, we want to hear from you.
Why do you ask for my birth year?
Your birth year helps us place you in the hospital's history and plan events for each generation of FAMU Hospital babies.
How do I share my story or photos?
Join the Facebook group and post there, or sign up for updates. We'll send instructions for submitting stories and photos soon.
When and where is the 2027 gathering?
The first Born on the Hill gathering is planned for September 2027 in Tallahassee. Sign up and we'll send the date, place, and program as soon as they're set.
Where can I learn more about the hospital's history?
The Meek-Eaton Black Archives at FAMU holds a FAMU Hospital collection. You can also visit the state historical marker at Palmer Avenue and South Adams Street.
Questions?
Email contactus@bornonthehill.com or text Shauna at (850) 254-3221. Put "Babies" in your message so she knows it's about the project.