Born in 1912 in Shire Oaks, Pennsylvania, Thomas L. Williams studied photography at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. After graduating from the Institute, Mr. Williams enlisted in the Navy shortly following Pearl Harbor and was stationed at Camp Peary, where he started the base's photography laboratory. While at Camp Peary, he shot many photographs for Colonial Williamsburg, who hired him after World War II to start their photography section. After nine years at Colonial Williamsburg, Mr. Williams became the photographer for William & Mary, a position he held for 35 years. While at William & Mary, Mr. Williams photographed various events at the College, including Charter Day and Commencement ceremonies, the inauguration of Davis Y. Paschall as president of William & Mary, and celebrations during Homecoming Weekend.
Materials in Special Collections Research Center
- Thomas L. Williams Collection (MS 00254)