History
Hampton’s history spans from the sea to the stars. From samplings of four hundred years of life on the Chesapeake Bay at the Hampton History Museum to aviation adventure at the Virginia Air & Space Center and Air Power Park—our history is America’s history.
Hampton, VA
(757) 826-1281
(757) 826-7349
(757) 722-2345
The museum celebrates the history, heritage and future of historic Aberdeen Gardens. Built for and by African Americans in 1935 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Settlement, the museum and community are a testament to the great accomplishments possible when a group of people work together to achieve a common goal. January-April: Fri 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April through September: Open Mon, Wed, Fri 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Holidays. For other times, call for appointment. Free. I-664, exit 3.
- Free admission.
- Highway exit: 1-664, exit 3
Hampton, VA
(757) 727-8311
(757) 727-1512 fax
Learn about Hampton's space and aviation history by touring this outdoor display of air and space craft. The park contains aircraft from the country's various service branches.
Hours: Daily, 9am-4:30pm. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Free admission.
Highway exit: I-64, exit 263B
Fort Monroe, VA
(757) 788-3391
(757) 788-3886 fax
hansonc@monroe.army.mil
The largest stone fort ever built in the U.S., Fort Monroe is headquarters for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Located within the historic fort's stone walls, the Casemate Museum chronicles the history of the fort, the Coast Artillery Corps, and the U.S. Army in Hampton Roads. During the Civil War, Fort Monroe was a Union-held bastion in the center of a Confederate state and helped shelter thousands of slave refugees, earning it the nickname "Freedom's Fortress." A tour highlight is the cell where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned.
- Hours: Daily, 10:30am-4:30pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
- Free admission
Hampton, VA
1-800-800-2202
(757) 727-1102
This island fortress, dating to 1819, played important roles in the Civil War and in both World Wars. Although not accessible by car, it is easy to view from the Chesapeake Bay shore of Fort Monroe and is featured during the Miss Hampton II harbor tour.
Open May-September: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Admission: Purchase tickets from the Harbor cruise office located inside the Hampton Maritime Center. For ticket information, go to www.misshamptoncruises.com or call 757-722-9102, 888-757-BOAT.
120 Old Hampton Lane
Hampton, VA
(757) 727-1610
(800) 800-2202
Experience four centuries of national history and view how Hampton evolved as “America’s Gateway” from Native American days to the Space Age. Ten galleries share the beginning of the Virginia Colony and the phases of Tidewater Virginia life while the visitor has surprises along the way. Meet Blackbeard the Pirate as he lurks in the galleries, experience the burning of Hampton during the Civil War and see how the Contraband decision was the first step toward freedom for millions of African-Americans. Also home to Hampton Visitor Center and Museum Shop.
- Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. Closed major holidays.
- Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, active military, active NASA, AAA, children 4-12. Under 4 free.
- Free visitor parking is available in the parking garage located at 555 Settlers Landing Road and accessed from History Museum Way, across the street from the museum entrance.
- Highway Exit: I-64, exit 267
Hampton University
Hampton, VA
(757) 727-5308
(757) 727-5170 fax
museum@hamptonu.edu
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm; Sat, noon-4pm. Closed Sun. Closed major holidays and campus holidays.
- Free admission
- Highway Exit: I-64, exit 267
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Permanent Gallery Information |
120 Old Hampton Lane
Hampton, VA
(800) 800-2202
(757) 727-1102
visitor@hamptoncvb.com
The Hampton Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your city tour. You will find a variety of maps, area attraction brochures and personal attention from a Visitor Information Specialist. The Visitor Center shares an address with the Hampton History Museum and gift shop.
Parking is accessible in the free Settlers Landing Parking Garage. Free on-street parking is also available.
Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day.
Free admission.
Highway Exit: I-64, exit 267
Hampton, VA
(757) 722-4249
Built circa 1879, this is Virginia’s only known African American missionary chapel. Exhibits interpret the religious lives of post-Civil War African-Americans
in Virginia and include handwritten Sunday School lessons, photographs, a 12-minute video, and 19th-century religious books. A State and National Historic Landmark. Call for church tour.
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm; open other days by appointment; Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Free admission; donations accepted
- Highway Exit: I-64, exit 265 or 267
710 Settlers Landing Road
Hampton, VA
(757) 722-9102
(888) 757-2628
(757) 722-9113 fax
Daily Harbor Cruise Features:
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Cruises depart 10:00 AM daily. Additional 2:00 PM daily departure Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tour length: approximately 2 1/2 hours - 3 hours. Special tours, programs and all-day cruises available, including Intracostal Waterway excursions and James River Ghost Fleet tours. Private charters offered.
Purchase tickets at the Harbor Cruises office located in the Hampton Maritime Center.
Tours: April-October, Daily, 10:00am; Memorial Day-Labor Day, Daily, 10:00am & 2pm. closed Nov-Mar.
Admission: Adults, $22.00; Seniors & Military, $20.00; Children 7-12, $11.00; Children under 6, free. Admission includes 10% tax; prices subject to change.
Highway Exit: I-64, exit 267
100 W. Queens Way
Hampton, VA
(757) 722-2567
(757) 722-0641 fax
In 2010, America’s Oldest Anglican (Episcopal) Parish in continuous existence will commemorate its 400th anniversary, complete with special events, activities, and services throughout the year. Established in 1610 when English colonists settled at Kecoughtan, the parish has survived four centuries of sometimes turbulent history in order to celebrate this fortunate milestone.
Other St. John’s Episcopal Church Points of Interest:
- The oldest grave located at the church is of Captain Willis Wilson who died in 170l.
- Near the gates at the southwest corner of the churchyard are markers describing the remnants of the original enclosure wall dating from about 1759.
- Next to the south wall of the church stands a memorial to Virginia Laydon, the first surviving child born in the New World to English parents (born 1609). Laydon’s parents were members of the parish.
- Inside the building one can see the Pocahontas window given in 1887, in part, by Native American students from Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, now Hampton University. The school was the first in the country to accept Native American students.
- On the chapel wall to the right of the small altar is an aumbry in which consecrated bread and wine are reserved. The door panel consists of pieces of 13th century stained glass from St. Helen’s Church, Willoughby, England. This is the parish in which Captain John Smith was baptized.
- The most cherished possession of the parish is the communion silver made in London in 1618 for the church community in Smith’s Hundred. When an Indian massacre destroyed that community, farther up the James River in 1622, Governor Yeardly took the chalice and patens to Jamestown. They were given to Elizabeth City Parish (St. John’s Episcopal Church) in 1627 and are still used on major feast days each year. It is the oldest communion silver in continuous use in the area of the United States colonized by the English.
- The parish retains its old vestry book dating to 1751, its large colonial Book of Common Prayer, a 1637 Book Prayer, and a 1599 “breeches” Bible. These, along with other artifacts and a photographic collection may be seen in the museum (located in the parish house building, built 1889, adjacent to the church).
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm; Sat, 9am-noon. Guided tours by appointment; no tours on Sunday or Thursday morning due to services. Closed on major holidays.
Free admission.
Highway Exit: I-64, exit 267
