All aboard! At this all-new exhibit, kids can step into the world of Thomas & Friends, visit iconic stops on the Island Of Sodor like Knapford Station and Sodor Steamworks, and team up with Thomas to solve fun challenges and explore hands-on engineering adventures. This interactive exhibit was created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum and […]
Waves of Strength Portraits of African American Shipyard Workers from Tidewater Virginia In the summer of 2014, photographer artist Glen McClure began his project of documenting the proud men and women who work to support a massive industry that defines South Hampton Roads, Virginia. This exhibition highlights the African Americans included in that series, with […]
Description: Forged in Hampton Roads explores the transformative impact of African American labor and how it profoundly shaped the character and lifestyle of the Hampton Roads region. Come learn about John Mallory Phillips, the man who created one of the region’s first Black resorts and hotels in Hampton. Or read about a former slave named Aaron who […]
The Dry Dock Affair 1829-1831: African American Labor in America's Shipyard The Dry Dock Affair, 1829-1831: African American Labor in America’s Shipyard examines the history of both free and enslaved Black labor in the Gosport Shipyard during the 1830s. Dry Dock No.1 was completed in 1834 and became the first operational dry dock in the […]
In this month’s story, a young girl goes on a journey of discovery, exploring how high-achieving women throughout history haven’t let unfair labels get in their way! Included with museum […]
A Purple Patchwork Sewn in Sisterhood The Hampton Road’s based 54-40 African American Quilters Guild of Virginia reflects on The Color Purple through their creation of quilts in this exhibition […]
Speaker: Dr. Rafia Zafar, Professor at Washington University in Saint Louis In 1990, over a century after the manuscript was completed, God Made Man, Man Made the Slave, the Virginia-born […]
Founding of the U.S. Navy Speaker: John V. Quarstein Award winning author, historian, preservationist, Director Emeritus of USS Monitor Center All events are free and open to the public. 2025 […]
Join us for a day dedicated to homeschooling families. Activities include workshops, demonstrations, sample classes, educational games, and planetarium shows.
First Fridays Concerts in the Courtyard presents jazz artist Chloe Youtsey in concert. Concert is free. Snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase.
THIS EVENT HAPPENS RAIN OR SHINE! The Portsmouth Museums Foundation is pleased to announce that our annual Bunny Hop 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run will be held on […]
Speaker: Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Professor at Norfolk State University and founder of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center Dr. Newby-Alexander’s lecture will examine the history of Lord Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment. In […]