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Forged in Hampton Roads: A History of Black Labor explores the transformative impact of African American labor and how it profoundly shaped the character and lifestyle of the Hampton Roads region. Learn about John Mallory Phillips, who created one of the region's first Black resorts and hotels in Hampton. Or read about Aaron, a former enslaved person who developed a unique style of canoe watermen used on the James and Elizabeth Rivers to make their livelihood. Forged in Hampton Roads examines the lives of some of the region's most important workers, laborers, and entrepreneurs and the development of its most distinctive industries.

Discover African American scientists and their significant contributions. Conduct experiments related to their work in our STEM Studio each weekend.

Discover African American scientists and their significant contributions. Conduct experiments related to their work in our STEM Studio each weekend.

Join Cory Staten under the stars as he incorporates elements of traditional West African music and story telling using the style of the ancient griot tradition with a modern theatrical twist. Families will learn the basics of story telling and participate with a presentation before the planetarium showing of Constellations.

Join Cory Staten under the stars as he incorporates elements of traditional West African music and story telling using the style of the ancient griot tradition with a modern theatrical twist. Families will learn the basics of story telling and participate with a presentation before the planetarium showing of Constellations.

Join us for Second Saturdays at the Children’s Museum. Celebrate Black History Now with Andalo.

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 Western Hemisphere, mere weeks before the dry dock in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. The contributions of Black laborers hastened the speed and efficiency with which the project was completed, giving Dry Dock No. 1 its historic status. The Dry Dock Affair explores the tensions between white and Black workers during this period and the triumph and perseverance of one enslaved worker, George Teamoh, who later became a Virginia Senator and political activist.

Waves of Strength is the newest evolution of artist Glen McClure’s summer 2014 photography project documenting the lives and experiences of the proud men and women who tirelessly labored in South Hampton Roads’ massive shipping industries. This exhibit highlights African American workers who participated in that project and who have allowed these shipping industries to thrive and flourish over the last several decades. Join us and celebrate those workers who have defined a region and industry.

The Hampton Road’s based 54-40 African American Quilters Guild of Virginia reflects on the novel The Color Purple in this exhibition of their latest works. On view in the 1st-floor gallery of the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center.