Join the Hampton History Museum this month for several programs, performances and a new exhibit. Beginning February 4, the museum’s newest exhibit offers visitors an incomparable and exciting view of Hampton’s prohibition story. Throughout the month, guests can also revel in a unique Port Hampton Culture Series presentation that unpacks the music of the prohibition period. A spellbinding show by local artist Akeylah Simone and a storytelling event with Dylan Pritchett will also be hosted in honor of Black History Month.

“Teetotalers and Moonshiners, and Hampton’s Prohibition Story”

Members opening: Friday, February 3, 5:30-7 p.m.

Opens to the public on Saturday, February 4, 2023

On November 1, 1916, Virginia breweries and distilleries closed their doors as the state began a grand experiment in Prohibition. From that date until 1933, state inspectors and federal agents attempted to stem the flow of illicit alcohol to a thirsty populace. In many ways, Hampton’s relationship with alcohol mirrors Virginia’s as a whole. But, Hampton’s own Prohibition story differs in distinct and unexpected ways. This exhibit combines content from the Library of Virginia with research and artifacts from the Hampton History Museum on the local experience.

The exhibition continues through February 4, 2024.

Port Hampton Culture Series

“Goodbye Booze”: The Music of Prohibition

Monday, February 6, 7-8 p.m.

Museum members free, non-members $5

Gospel songwriters, Tin Pan Alley tunesmiths, and even moonshiners and bootleggers produced a torrent of commentary on alcohol in song. The mass marketing of sound recordings corresponded closely with the rise of the Prohibition movement, leaving thousands of 78-rpm records waxed by songsters on every side of the issue. In this presentation, Dr. Gregg D. Kimball of the Library of Virginia will trace this musical legacy through spoken narrative, period images, and live and recorded music.

Front Porch Music Series

Akeylah Simone

Wednesday, February 15, 6-8 p.m.

Museum members free, non-members $5

Akeylah Simone delivers a stunning performance by fusing genres from rock, hip hop, R&B, pop, and jazz in an eclectic set of original music. Her sultry, soulful vocals keep her audience enthralled. A native of Hampton Roads, Simone is just getting her feet wet as a singer, songwriter and now recording artist. In just her first two years of releasing original music, she’s landed four songs on the Grammy Ballot and voted Encore’s 2021 Best Solo Artist. Simone has been singing and performing since her first time on stage at an elementary school talent contest, and frequenting many stages with her dad, Bobby Blackhat, over the past 10 years.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Hampton History Museum. Admission is at the door. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Special Event

Essential African Threads with Storyteller Dylan Pritchett

Saturday, February 18, 11 a.m.

Museum admission free all day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

From “Anansi the Spider” to “Brer Rabbit,” traditional stories from enslaved Africans contain hidden meanings and serve to document and celebrate early African American history. Storyteller Dylan Pritchett brings to life, through these tales, important touchstones during the time of slavery wound tightly with themes of family strength and morals as well as lessons that teach about character and survival. Pritchett shares his folktales with thousands of children and adults throughout the country, with positive messages that cross cultural boundaries. In addition to live performances, Dylan has produced narration and served as a performer and consultant for a number of broadcast documentaries, including the PBS program, “View from the Mountaintop,” the Thomas Jefferson biography.

“Essential African Threads” is sponsored by Arts for Learning Virginia and the Virginian African American Cultural Center of Virginia, Inc.

Hampton History Museum

The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street from the museum. For more information call 757-727-1102 or visit www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org.