Hampton History Museum
Hampton History Museum
4.5
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Opened in 2003, the Hampton History Museum serves to increase the awareness and understanding of the history of Hampton by maintaining an educational and research center for the collection, exhibition, interpretation, preservation and promotion of the vast historic resources of the City.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
20
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
krickett904
Jacksonville, FL106 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We stumbled upon this place today by accident, and we're so happy we did! The restrooms are sparkling clean; the gift shop is small but full of nicer (yet affordable) souvenirs; the museum is informative without being dull. The employees were personable and helpful, and they truly seemed dedicated to making sure we enjoyed our visit to Hampton. If you're in the area and need someone knowledgeable to help you, pay this place a visit - it will be worth it!
Written 31 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oceanguy2821
Baltimore, MD270 contributions
Aug 2023
The museum is highly recommended when visiting the area, especially in Hampton or Norfolk. I can't say enough about the history presented in the different displays and historical periods. The area has such a rich history and one can learn so much there. A traveler can greatly expand their experience with the museum, a must stop for anyone.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoyfulWriter
Chesapeake, VA724 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
This is not a large museum, but for what it is -- a local museum of an area with a long history -- it's very nice. The museum is in a good location and inside a lovely vintage building that has been nicely renovated. The first floor is, I believe, permanent exhibits that tell the history of not only Hampton, but in the process, about much of our nation's history as well. It is apparently in an area that is the "oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in America."
The first floor is well-laid out and travels through time from an Indian beginning as we walk through the replica of a portion of a longhouse, continuing through various galleries that tell the history of Hampton, right alongside the history of our United States of America.
There are interesting displays and large dramatic decoration, such as a portion of burned out brick walls visitors walk through, that help bring history to life. There are nice paintings, glass cases with various artifacts, clothing and very interesting stories of individuals that all help make history more personal.
The second floor has changing exhibits. At this time and through August of 2015, the exhibit chronicles "The Truth About Women: Myth and Reality." It's all in one big room and gives an interesting overview of all that women have achieved in the last 400 years, both in our country and in Hampton.
The staff is very nice. There is a good-sized gift shop; and there are roomy, clean restrooms just inside the entrance and down a short hall. The price for admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors, military and children ages 4-12. Parking is free at the parking garage right across the street or on the street, if you can find it.
This museum could be part of a daytrip to Hampton that offers all-day free parking and everything within easy walking distance. The area is picturesque and also near the water. Other places to visit on your daytrip might include, the Virginia Air & Space Museum just one-block over, St. John's Episcopal Church which is the oldest Anglican parish in continuous existence in America and is directly behind the museum, the beautiful historic Hampton Carousel built in 1920, and some unique shops and eateries. You can also catch a tour boat that goes to Fort Wool and cruises the Chesapeake Bay, just a block away. All these things can be enjoyed without moving your car. It's a lovely way to spend a day! I always enjoy going there.
Note: Be sure to check dates and times for possible closings.
The first floor is well-laid out and travels through time from an Indian beginning as we walk through the replica of a portion of a longhouse, continuing through various galleries that tell the history of Hampton, right alongside the history of our United States of America.
There are interesting displays and large dramatic decoration, such as a portion of burned out brick walls visitors walk through, that help bring history to life. There are nice paintings, glass cases with various artifacts, clothing and very interesting stories of individuals that all help make history more personal.
The second floor has changing exhibits. At this time and through August of 2015, the exhibit chronicles "The Truth About Women: Myth and Reality." It's all in one big room and gives an interesting overview of all that women have achieved in the last 400 years, both in our country and in Hampton.
The staff is very nice. There is a good-sized gift shop; and there are roomy, clean restrooms just inside the entrance and down a short hall. The price for admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors, military and children ages 4-12. Parking is free at the parking garage right across the street or on the street, if you can find it.
This museum could be part of a daytrip to Hampton that offers all-day free parking and everything within easy walking distance. The area is picturesque and also near the water. Other places to visit on your daytrip might include, the Virginia Air & Space Museum just one-block over, St. John's Episcopal Church which is the oldest Anglican parish in continuous existence in America and is directly behind the museum, the beautiful historic Hampton Carousel built in 1920, and some unique shops and eateries. You can also catch a tour boat that goes to Fort Wool and cruises the Chesapeake Bay, just a block away. All these things can be enjoyed without moving your car. It's a lovely way to spend a day! I always enjoy going there.
Note: Be sure to check dates and times for possible closings.
Written 23 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary W
Newport News, VA19 contributions
Dec 2012
The museum has a very reasonable entrance fee, and you learn alot about Hampton. The upstairs has a rotating show, so there is reason to return.
Written 13 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmhn
Buena Park, CA151 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
This is a relatively small museum that has a lot of historical information about the area. The changing exhibit of the moment are the pictures and maps of a Union mapmaker. The detail in his pictures and maps were astounding! We found that exhibit to be very interesting!
Written 7 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edq88222
Fountain Valley, CA440 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
The exhibits in this museum show the local history of many cultures. Interesting to me was the description of the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge, which was a haven for escaped slaves.
Written 18 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna I
Hampton, VA51 contributions
Nov 2015
i went thru this museum so fast because there just isn't enough in there to look at. it doesn't tell all there is to know about this area, just a few details but it's not that interesting. there are no hands on exhibits, nothing to attract you or your children. i think if they were in a much bigger building they could have more information about hampton.
Written 26 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DDiceRC
East Brunswick, NJ27 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
I toured the museum with my 17-year-old daughter (her idea!). We enjoy history, and had been walking around the area around the museum visiting some of the historic sites. The woman on duty was very friendly and helpful (even asking if we had AAA to get a $1 discount).
The museum has an excellent overview of the history of the city, and many authentic artifacts on display. The tour is self-guided, but there are many explanatory plaques recounting the history of the city and each artifact is clearly labeled. There is also a room reproducing a ship hold from Hampton's harbor days, and another that has a reconstructed archaeological dig site to explain how the history of a site is explored.
The museum isn't large, but it was very informative. We took about 45 minutes to go through the galleries; your time will depend on how many of the signs and display tags you read. There is a helpful visitor's information center in the lobby.
If you have an interest in history, this museum is well worth a visit. The history of Hampton parallels the history of America, and you will learn much from your stop.
The museum has an excellent overview of the history of the city, and many authentic artifacts on display. The tour is self-guided, but there are many explanatory plaques recounting the history of the city and each artifact is clearly labeled. There is also a room reproducing a ship hold from Hampton's harbor days, and another that has a reconstructed archaeological dig site to explain how the history of a site is explored.
The museum isn't large, but it was very informative. We took about 45 minutes to go through the galleries; your time will depend on how many of the signs and display tags you read. There is a helpful visitor's information center in the lobby.
If you have an interest in history, this museum is well worth a visit. The history of Hampton parallels the history of America, and you will learn much from your stop.
Written 14 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globaltrekster
Virginia Beach, VA846 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
This museum is conveniently located across the street from the Virginia Air and Space Center. You can visit both in one day. Keep in mind that this is not a children's themed museum like the Virginia Air and Space Center, so it will not be interesting for young kids.
It will take you about an hour to walk though and see everything, as it is not a big museum. There are bathrooms and snacks and drinks for sale in the gift shop. Although the gift shop space is small, they do a good job of having a children's toy selection, house décor selection, jewelry selection, and book selection. The museum displays are all on the first floor, so everything is wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The exhibit rooms follow the history of Hampton, VA (oldest English speaking town and most excavated city in the country) from when Native Americans inhabited to present day, covering the War of 1812, Fort Monroe, the Civil War (confederates burned Hampton to the ground), African American history in Hampton, and the "birth? of modern day Hampton from a fishing/crabbing town to a military town (Langley Air Force base). One cool item is an arrowhead that is about 9k years old.
It will take you about an hour to walk though and see everything, as it is not a big museum. There are bathrooms and snacks and drinks for sale in the gift shop. Although the gift shop space is small, they do a good job of having a children's toy selection, house décor selection, jewelry selection, and book selection. The museum displays are all on the first floor, so everything is wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The exhibit rooms follow the history of Hampton, VA (oldest English speaking town and most excavated city in the country) from when Native Americans inhabited to present day, covering the War of 1812, Fort Monroe, the Civil War (confederates burned Hampton to the ground), African American history in Hampton, and the "birth? of modern day Hampton from a fishing/crabbing town to a military town (Langley Air Force base). One cool item is an arrowhead that is about 9k years old.
Written 5 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
Smithfield, VA1,236 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
This museum is small but is stocked with lots of things that will explain the area and the settlement of 1610. Lots of Indian history of Powhatan and the Federation of the area. Artifacts from that time up to the present. Nice gift shop and meeting room for special events and talks on the first floor. Second floor has special exhibits that change. Located in the middle of downtown with free parking garage across the street, lots of places to eat, harbor with cruises of Hampton Roads, Air and Space Museum, Hampton Carousel that is beautiful and a good ride for young and old on one of only 150 original wooden Carousels in American (originally at Buckroe Beach Amusement Park), sailing and views from the harbor of Hampton University. A very good review of this museum was written by Joyful Writer. Worth the stop and a good price.
Written 5 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would allow an hour but you could spend more. If you have small children you could get through in 45 min if they get antsy....There is a lot of interesting information if you take the time to read it all.
Written 3 July 2018
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