Are you a maker at heart? From artisanal skills like painting, weaving, and glass blowing to high-tech endeavors like coding and 3D printing, Maker Fest Portsmouth is fun for all ages and skill levels! Come explore “maker culture” with interactive displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Learn from accomplished makers – artisans, technology gurus, and everything […]
Step aboard the Haunted Lightship for a family-friendly Halloween adventure! Explore the historic Lightship Portsmouth as it’s transformed with spooky fun for all ages. Haunted but not too scary – […]
250 Years of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. This event will be held on the 258th Birthday of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Speaker: Rear Admiral Kavon “Hak” Hakimzadeh, Newly appointed Commander of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard All events are free and open to the public. 2025 SPEAKERS SERIES presents 250 YEARS OF U.S. NAVY HISTORY […]
It’s the most frightful night of the year, when the Lightship opens after dark, the Fresnel lens glows eerie green, and the ghosts, kraken and zombie fisherman of the Lightship’s past come back to visit. You’re invited to join them, of course. But only the bravest will dare. Will you? When: Friday, October 24 | […]
Experience the Lightship decorated for winter! Enjoy this festive, outdoor-only display all month long.
Join us for a powerful lecture by Dr. Brenda E. Stevenson examining how enslaved African American families resisted oppression through faith, action and survival strategies. This presentation offers deep insight into family, resilience and resistance within the institution of slavery. Dr. Stevenson is the Inaugural Hillary Rodham Clinton Chair in Women’s History at St. John’s […]
Historian Charles Johnson explores the history and mission of the African American Historical Society of Portsmouth, highlighting its vital role in preserving and celebrating the city’s Black heritage. Mister Johnson is the President of the African American Historical Society of Portsmouth
Explore the Civil Rights Movement and its ongoing impact on political participation with Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander and Dr. Charles H. Ford. This lecture examines the fight for voting rights and what it means today. Dr. Newby-Alexander is a Professor of History and Director of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center for African Diaspora Studies at Norfolk […]
Author Darrell J. Howard shares the rich and inspiring history of Black baseball in Hampton Roads, where the sport became a powerful force for community, culture and achievement.
Dr. Blair LM Kelley explores the origins and evolution of Juneteenth and Emancipation Day celebrations, tracing how these traditions became powerful moments of reflection and freedom. Dr. Kelley is President and Director of the National Humanities Center.