November 20, 2008

On December 1, the Hampton History Museum will commemorate history's first recorded English Christmas in America which took place right here in Hampton. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with Olde English caroling, children's activities, ginger cakes, plum pudding, wassail, corn cakes, and much more.

At 6:00 p.m. there will be a reenactment of the story of Capt. John Smith and the Kecoughtan natives, and an unveiling of the commemorative artwork by nationally noted artist Gail Duke. The event will conclude with a magical star lighting atop the Hampton History Museum and the sharing of some little known pieces of history about Hampton and America.

Following at 7:00 p.m., the celebration continues inside the museum for the Old Port Lecture Series featuring a debate between Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. This portion of the event is free to museum members and $3 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information call 727-1610.