New Studio Unveiling
Hampton to Capture It's Long History
Through Television Technology

February 7, 2008

There are not many cities in the United States that lay claim to being 398 years old -- and that's why Hampton, Virginia is embarking on a program to further capture its rich history, for the benefit of future generations.

Hampton will celebrate its 400th anniversary on July 9, 2010. The community was settled in 1610 in the Virginia Colony and is the oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in America.

As part of this enhanced move to preserve the city's history, on February 29 Hampton officials are unveiling a new public television studio. Besides enhancing programming on the city's public station that presently provides citizens with news and information about city government, the station will now also feature documented historical segments, including discussions with noted historians and residents who will share their memories.

"The city channel has been a great source of providing information about local government as well as the many attractions that make Hampton such a great place to live," said Mayor Ross Kearney. "Now, with this commitment to capture Hampton's history, citizens can enjoy the station even more. This new location will allow the station to grow and provide even greater service in the future."

Besides being shown on television (Channel 47 to Hampton cable subscribers) the historical videos will also be viewable on the city's web site (www.hampton.gov), and at the city's downtown Hampton History Museum.

At the studio unveiling, historian John R. Quarstein, author of several books about the history of the Hampton Roads region, will provide historical vignettes from the studio. Other character re-enactors and citizens will provide additional historical perspectives.

At the ceremony, the city will share information on its continuing partnership between Hampton University's Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications and the city's public television station. The internship program provides students majoring in television production an opportunity to acquire hands-on experience while earning independent study credit hours.

The studio unveiling will take place at 418 Mercury Boulevard, on February 29, from 10 a.m. until noon. For the ease of visitors, parking is available at an adjacent parking lot on Mercury Boulevard, close to the site. A shuttle will be provided from the parking area to the site.

Parking for media representatives will be available at the unveiling site itself, on 418 Mercury Boulevard.