400th Anniversary of the First
Recorded Christmas In North America

Young children and history enthusiasts of all ages had an opportunity on December 1, 2008 to learn how Captain John Smith wrote about his Christmas experience in 1608 while sharing food and companionship with Native Americans in Kecoughtan Village - now a part of Hampton. This was the 400th anniversary of the first recorded English Christmas in North America. The event at the Hampton History Museum included Olde English caroling; ginger cakes, plum pudding, and wassail; the lighting of a "First Light" giant star above the museum; and a reenactment of the story of Captain Smith during that cold Christmas. A commemorative painting by acclaimed artist Gail Duke, depicting how Captain Smith and his men survived a brutal nor'easter in a small boat before embracing the warmth of the Kecoughtan tribe, was also unveiled. Copies of this full color print are available at the museum gift shop.