Hampton VA250 commemorates Hampton, Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence through events, initiatives, and telling of diverse narratives.
The Hampton VA250 Committee is a local committee of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, because as we know, “Virginia’s History is America’s Story”
Fought October 26-27, 1775, the Battle of Hampton was the beginning of the Revolutionary War in Virginia. It was a turning point in Virginia’s transition from resistance to rebellion, and at its heart was a struggle for the meaning and experience of liberty. The Revolutionary War is a key part of Hampton’s “Arc of Freedom.”
The Battle of Hampton was a planned British naval attack on the town of Hampton, thwarted by local soldiers and sailors and troops sent from Williamsburg. Leading up to the battle, British officials demanded return of property taken from a grounded British ship, while local Patriots demanded that British officers return Joseph Harris and other enslaved people who had escaped and sought refuge aboard the British fleet. Joseph Harris was a skilled harbor pilot, and he and other Freedom Seekers played pivotal roles in the battle. Shortly afterward, Lord Dunmore drafted his proclamation formally offering freedom to enslaved people who would join the British.
Hampton VA250’s signature events blend history, freedom stories, and community celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.
Organized by the Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, SC, this exhibition is inspired by Dr. Edda Fields-Black’s 2025 Pulitzer Prize Award-Winning Book, Combee: Harriet Tubman, The Combahee River Raid, and […]
Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, in partnership with Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau and HamptonVA250, is proud to present a special multi-month screening series of The American Revolution, the acclaimed PBS […]
Bring the entire family for a spectacular 4th of July celebration on the Downtown Hampton Waterfront featuring fireworks and a 400-drone show. Settler’s Landing Road will be closed to vehicular […]
On a hot summer day in August 1619, a moment of profound consequence unfolded on the shores of what’s now Hampton, Virginia. It was here that the first enslaved Africans […]
North America’s oldest continuously run hydroplane boat race is back for its 100th year! Enjoy a children’s area, food vendors, Bay Education, and environmental exhibits—East Mercury Bridge at Fort Monroe. Spectating areas are on the Mercury Blvd. bridge that leads to Fort Monroe and the grassy area on Stilwell Drive. We recommend bringing your own […]
North America’s oldest continuously run hydroplane boat race is back for its 100th year! Enjoy a children’s area, food vendors, Bay Education, and environmental exhibits—East Mercury Bridge at Fort Monroe. Spectating areas are on the Mercury Blvd. bridge that leads to Fort Monroe and the grassy area on Stilwell Drive. We recommend bringing your own […]
Bestselling author of "The Wordy Shipmates" and "Lafayette in the Somewhat United States" Free tickets to this event will be available at Peninsula libraries starting in September. The Virginia Peninsula […]
The purpose of the Hampton VA250 Committee is to further economic development and tourism in the City of Hampton in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The committee, complemented by Hampton city staff, will work to ensure that initiatives celebrating Hampton’s cultural diversity, history, and unique assets are developed in coordination with the state’s VA250 Commission.
The Hampton VA250 Committee is eager to receive commemoration ideas and plans your neighborhood has made to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We also welcome volunteers to assist in the planning and executing various aspects of the commemoration. Please complete this form if you wish to provide input or volunteer:
