Honor Black History Month at Sites & Events
Black History Month is an annual observance of accomplishments by African Americans and a time for recognizing their pivotal role in U.S. history. African Americans have played a massive role in shaping Hampton for over 400 years, from culture, to community development, to education & research, and so much more. Explore Black History this month by visiting sites and attending events in Hampton.
Sites
Download our free Hampton Black History Sites Pass to ‘check-in’ on your phone when you visit each site. If you visit 4 or more of these 7 sites, you will win a prize!
Aberdeen Gardens Museum and Historic Markers
Visit one of the only remaining Black resettlement communities from the New Deal in the 1930’s.
The Emancipation Oak was the site of the first public Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Its limbs span over 100 feet in diameter.
First Africans in Virginia Marker
This marker denotes the arrival of the first documented enslaved Africans in Virginia at Point Comfort (modern day Fort Monroe) in Aug. 1619.
Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center
The history surrounding Old Point Comfort helped to change the course of the history of this nation. View exhibits that tell the story of the first landing of Africans in English North America and the “Contraband Decision” at Fort Monroe.
Learn about the contributions of African Americans in Hampton. Galleries include the first African arrival in 1619 and the Hidden Figures exhibit showcasing the city’s involvement with the U.S. space program.
Founded in 1868 on the campus of Hampton University, the Hampton University Museum is the oldest African-American museum in the United States.
The Tucker Family Cemetery is the resting place for descendants of William Tucker, the first recorded baby of African descent baptized in English North America. His parents were among the first enslaved Africans to arrive at Point Comfort in 1619.
Events
Feb 3: Transit Equity Day
Hampton Roads Transit will provide free service all day to commemorate the importance of public transit for all citizens’ benefit, as well as the birthday of Rosa Parks.
Feb 5: West African Drum Lesson
The class is taught by Kam Kelly, whose wealth of knowledge demonstrates the fascinating patterns of African drumming in a manner suitable for both beginners and experienced drummers at the Y.H. Thomas Community Center.
Feb 11: An Evening with Dee Dee Bridgewater
Don’t miss the chance to hear this Grammy and Tony Award-winning vocalist put her unique spin on standards and re-envision jazz classics at the American Theatre.
Feb 15: Front Porch Series with Akeylah Simone
Akeylah Simone delivers a stunning performance by fusing genres from Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Pop and Jazz in an eclectic set of original music at the Hampton History Museum.
Feb 18: Essential African Threads with Storyteller Dylan Pritchett
Storyteller Dylan Pritchett brings to life, through stories, important touchstones during the time of slavery as well as lessons that teach about character and survival at the Hampton History Museum.
