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 […]
First Fridays Concerts in the Courtyard presents Blue Cowbell. The concert is free. Snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Support Portsmouth Public Art. Gallery open for free during the event.
A tour of seven historic churches and one synagogue in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Explore the architecture , stained glass, and memorabilia of these historic structures. You'll hear stories of the Yellow Fever epidemic, the Underground Railroad, the Irish immigrants who built a masterpiece, the Jewish community who began settling in Portsmouth as early as 1916, […]
We’re celebrating the season with flower-making, seed planting, and springtime cheer!
Join us on select Sundays for children with special needs and their families to visit the museum in a less overwhelming environment. The museum hopes to alleviate any stress by providing a special date and time for them to enjoy the museum through adapted programs and exhibits as well as a reduced number of visitors. […]
It’s art from the heart! Celebrate the creativity of young artists, featuring award- winning pieces from Portsmouth Public Schools’ K-6 grade students. Enjoy this inspiring collection on display from April 26 to May 25. Included with admission!
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 […]
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 of latest works March 22nd through July 20th 2025
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 […]
Hosted by the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Health Services, this community festival takes place just outside the museum and includes museum admission. Celebrate wellness with activities, resources and fun for […]
This month’s story is a heartwarming picture book about self-discovery and the magic of friendship. Included with museum admission. Programming times: 11:30am and 1:30pm