Archives

Meet Negro League’s Legend Sam Allen

Journey back in time to the era of segregated baseball with Sam Allen, who played left field with the Negro League teams of Kansas City Monarchs, Raleigh Tigers, and Memphis Red Sox before serving in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.  Allen, a Norfolk resident, is a national treasure and he joins us to reminisce about his experiences with our national pastime both on and off the field.  The event is free but donations are encouraged.

Photo Credit: “Sam Allen, speaking at a Negro Leagues panel in Washington, DC, in 2009. Photo courtesy of the Society for American Baseball Research.”

Ms. Martha Reads

Ms. Martha Razor presents “The Donkey Who Lost his Memory,” a children’s story and puppet show written by a Portsmouth student.  Guests will have the opportunity to hear and particiapte in the story and then create their own stick puppet to take home.  First session is at 10:30 a.m. with a second session to follow at 2:30 p.m.  Requires Children’s Museum admission.

Caribbean Dreaming

Portsmouth Public Library and Black History Now presents Caribbean Dreaming, an opportunity to explore Caribbean Steel Drums through a historical and musical demonstration.  Learn how drums were outlawed on many Caribbean islands and how they came to be made from steel.  A unique sound and art form was created by politics.  Learn how the people of the Caribbean became independent and at the same time created an art all their own.  Free event.

Wild Kratts Ocean Adventure! The Exhibit

Treat your kids to this interactive exhibit from the popular Wild Kratts TV show. Children can explore ocean animals and their habitats, while using Wild Kratts technology to embark on a STEM-filled marine adventure. Exhibit access included with Children’s Museum admission ticket.

Also included in your admission is an ocean-themed planetarium show, Kaluoka’hina – The Enchanted Reef. Be sure to check it out!

An Architecture of Democracy in a Landscape of Slavery

The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center along with Black History Now is proud to present University of Virginia Professor Dr. Louis P. Nelson to discuss The Architecture of Democracy in a Landscape of Slavery: An Illustrated Presentation.  The University of Virginia is closely associated with Thomas Jefferson and is an architectural testament to the enlightened visions at that time, while also being a location where slavery was practiced.  Dr. Nelson provides illustrated examples on how the uses of architecture and landscape at this national landmark might actually reflect Mr. Jefferson’s own views on slavery.  Free event.

Tuskegee Airmen: The First Top Guns

The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center and Black History Now present the Tuskegee Airmen: The First Top Guns.  In May of 1949, the  U.S. Military was still segregated.  The U.S. Air Force held the first Gunnery Meet in Las Vegas, NV, where five “fighter groups” sent their best pilots and crews to compete, including the all African American 332nd Tuskegee Airmen fighter group.  Come hear the details of this little known and fascinating story presented by Howard and Richard Baugh, two sons of decorated WWII fighter pilot, Lt. Col. Howard Lee Baugh.  Free event.