hampton history museum

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.

We like the metal ship. The kids liked most of the colorful exhibits. The ladies working in the museum gave lots of helpful tips and advice about the area. I went in several times just with questions.

What this place has going for it is a very friendly and helpful staff; otherwise, it's just an average museum. Some of the artifacts were really interesting while others were just ho-hum. Part of the problem was how they're displayed: One room was so dark that it was difficult to read any information. Other exhibits were missing numbers that connected them to the written text. There are two great media displays that provide information that probably isn't known to the general public unless one is a native Virginian or a real history buff. It's a nice place to while away 60-90 minutes, but it isn't a "must-see" for Hampton.

The museum heavily promoted its second annual SteamPunk event. Expecting to be dazzled by imaginative displays, 6 pieces were displayed in a small room with no written labels to explain what you were looking at and nothing on what SteamPunk is or represents. The only other person in the room was a vendor selling jewelry. Certainly not an "event", certainly not an educational experience, and a big disappointment. People who came in after us left after 5 minutes as well, disappointed in such a poor display.

The exhibits are absolutely incredible and are very well maintained by the curators. There are also reproductions of the original art work for sale.

The museum was very informative. We thought we were well informed about the early settlements of VA. We now know much that is not in the school history books. Personnel at the visitor center were extremely helpful, recommending what to see and some excellent restaurants.

There's nothing to really dislike about the Hampton History Museum, it,s cheap and informative, that's hard to beat. Hampton, Va. is the Oldest English Speakinjg Settlement in the United States. That's in the history books and is rich in history. The exibits are interesting to look at and tell a story. The museum is "a good way to learn about Hampton".

As newcomers to Hampton, we were absolutely delighted with the museum and the terrific staff at the visitors center. The museum provided us with a wonderful overview of Hampton and its great history. In addition to the museum, be sure to take a ride on the Carosel near the air and space museum, talk about a time travel back to your childhood, it hit the spot.

This is a great little museum with a visitors center in the front and a fantastic gift shop. The museum has alot of historical items in it. The price is cheep and makes this a nice hour or two to enjoy for your money. Even the gift shop has unique items that surpisingly is not very expenisive. Out the back door of this place is St. Johns Church. A must see church. It is hand carved wood inside and just shows how some of our first churchs were in size and decore in the day.

Interesting look at past history but it somehow seems lacking in exhibits, photos, etc. There must be more historical photographs, there just has to be, with Hampton's rich history. Kind of disappointed.

lived here all my life,i still learn more about hampton from this museum.price for entry is very low and the staff is very helpful

This is a two story museum with, I think, half of it being a changing exhibit. The current exhibit is about the end of the Civil War and looked at the impact that the war had on individuals, mostly in Virginia. Overall, the museum gave a good sense of the region's unique location during the Civil War and the history of the town. There are computers on the first floor that give more in depth information. It takes just about an hour to see everything and there's a gift shop with many reasonably-priced items. The museum staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.

Very nice museum, small, easy to navigate. My family had a good time, the gift shop is small, and the staff was really nice and very helpful!

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.

I think the Hampton Hisory Museum has alot to offer about Hamptons history. It also has a membership that will offer there members much more than the museum. They have lectures and talks from local and other historians and many other groups that is included in the yearly fee. Which is very cheep. The visitors center inside is very helpful to anyone going to travel or looking for a place to go or just wanting something new. Great Place to visit.