400 Years Forward - Hampton, VA

10/01/2026

In October 1957, Rosa Parks moved to Hampton, Virginia to work at the Holly Tree Inn, a residence and guest house at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University- Official). Parks worked in Hampton for about a year in the wake of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her presence in the community provided a tangible link to the Civil Rights Movement and a constant reminder of quiet courage.

📍 Discover more civil rights icons that impacted Hampton - and the nation - when you visit Legacy Park on the Hampton University campus.

09/17/2026

September 17, 1861 Mary Smith Peake began teaching “contrabands” (enslaved people who sought freedom at Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort during the American Civil War) to read and write under beneath the tree that would become known as the Emancipation Oak.

Peake was the American Missionary Association's first African American teacher, though she refused to accept a salary. She continued to teach from her death bed until she died of tuberculosis in 1862. Her school is considered as a precursor Hampton University- Official.

📍 Discover more legends of history - that are still impacting us today - when you visit Legacy Park on the Hampton University campus. PS: Don't forget to check-in on your Black History Sites Pass VisitHampton.com/BlackHistoryPass!

[Sources: Diana Kristine Durham, "Mary Smith Kelsey Peake (1823-22 February 1862)," Dictionary of Virginia Biography, Library of Virginia (1998– ), published 2023. Hampton History Museum. Fort Monroe National Monument.]

09/15/2026

Experience the sound of culture, creativity, and legacy at the Phoebus Jazz Festival!

On September 25–26, The American Theatre comes alive for two nights of world-class jazz, featuring an incredible lineup of musicians serenading us with soulful melodies, Latin jazz, and dynamic instrumental performances. Tickets & info: https://tinyurl.com/PhoebusJazz

08/28/2026

Join us tomorrow at Fort Monroe at 9 am for the culminating programs of this profound week of African Landing Commemoration events.

08/28/2026

Join us with William Tucker 1624 Society tomorrow on our second to last day before the entire week culminates on Saturday!

To sign up and learn more about tomorrow and Saturday, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/african-landing-commemoration-week-4860955?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=odclsxcollection

This week, we commemorate the 1619 landing at Point Comfort of the first recorded Africans in English Virginia; honor their lives and legacy; celebrate the cultures and traditions carried forward through generations; and reflect on a history that continues to shape our nation. Participate in reflection, culture, history, and more throughout the different opportunities!

400 Years Forward - Hampton, VA, WHRO Public Media, VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission, Virginia is for Lovers, The DAY Program, Fort Monroe's Casemate Museum, Project 1619 Inc., Hampton, VA - Gov, Visit Hampton, Virginia!

08/27/2026

The William Tucker 1624 Society continues its African Landing Commemoration programming today with A Conversation with Descendants of the White Lion.

We’ll begin the day with a sold-out Another View Live, then turn our attention to this afternoon’s panel discussion.

Thursday, August 27th
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Fort Monroe Visitor Center

Moderated by The Honorable Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, the panel will feature Ric Murphy, Dr. Edward C. Davis IV, Dr. Wanda Tucker, and Dr. Jacqueline Jones Royster.

Join us for an important conversation about descendants, history, memory, and the legacy connected to the White Lion.

The program is FREE and open to the public.

See the remaining African Landing Commemoration Week schedule at 400YearsForward.com.

08/27/2026

Join us today!

08/24/2026

African Landing Commemoration Week is off to a great start!

Saturday’s rain didn’t stop the Enslaved African Landing Ceremony as the community came together to honor the arrival, resilience, and enduring legacy of the first recorded Africans in English North America. And the commemoration continues throughout this week!

Upcoming events invite the community to explore African American history, culture, genealogy, storytelling, and the lasting impact of the African Landing through meaningful conversations and experiences.

Join us for events including drum and dance workshops and lectures - Remembering Freedom’s Voices, Building Your Genealogical Story, Story in the Stitches, Words Matter, A Journey with Journalists, and more.

African Landing Commemoration Week continues through August 29. Learn more about upcoming events and how you can participate at VisitHampton.com/AFL.

08/21/2026

Update 8/21/2026: Due to anticipated inclement weather, Enslaved African Landing Day, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at Fort Monroe, has been moved indoors to the Hampton Roads Convention Center, located at 1610 Coliseum Drive in Hampton.

The event will continue as scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and remains free and open to the public.

Enslaved African Landing Day is the kickoff event for African Landing Commemoration Week, Aug. 22-29, honoring the arrival of the first recorded Africans in English North America at Point Comfort, present-day Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort, in 1619. The annual commemoration recognizes the resilience, contributions and enduring legacy of Africans and their descendants.

The event will feature African drumming and dancing, speakers, a bell-ringing and, community exhibits, vendors, and opportunities for reflection and remembrance.

Organizers made the location change to provide a safe and comfortable environment for attendees while maintaining the full spirit and significance of the commemoration.

African Landing Commemoration Week continues through Aug. 29 with a full schedule of educational programs, cultural experiences, community conversations, wellness activities and special events throughout Hampton.

For the latest event information and schedule updates, go to VisitHampton.com/AFL

Gather your family for thought-provoking events honoring heritage, family, and culture on the anniversary of the first Africans’ arrival.

08/20/2026

During African Landing Commemoration Week Aug. 22-29, experience an outdoor, projected live reading of this awe-inspiring picture book with author and #1 New York Times best selling illustrator Nikkolas Smith!

Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their ancestry back to that continent. The History of We celebrates our shared ancestors’ ingenuity and achievements and imagines what these firsts would have looked and felt like.

Aug 23, Aug. 24, Aug. 25 8 pm - Come and experience an outdoor, projected recorded reading of "The History of We." https://bit.ly/4xWpQbK

Aug. 26 8 pm - Come and experience an outdoor, LIVE reading of "The History of We" read by Nikkolas Smith. https://bit.ly/3U9nh7r

For more information and a complete list of African Landing Commemoration Week events visit: VisitHampton.com/AFL


Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort Hampton University Alumni Affairs