![]() NPS Photo ![]() NPS Photo Friday, August 23 - Sunday, August 25The multi-day event is centered around the 400th anniversary of the landing of the first enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America at Point Comfort in 1619. As recorded by English colonist John Rolfe, the arrival of “20 and odd” African men and women at Point Comfort in late August 1619, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Stolen by English privateers from a Spanish slave ship and brought to Point Comfort on a ship called the White Lion, these natives of west central Africa are believed to have been traded for food and supplies. They were the first Africans to be brought to English North America. The site of the ship’s arrival is the present site of Fort Monroe National Monument in Hampton, Virginia. The events will feature a commemorative ceremony, a preview of the new Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center, a healing day, Black Cultural tours, living history demonstrations, storytelling, and youth and musical performances. Details include: Friday, August 23
Saturday, August 24
See the full Healing Day schedule.Healing Day & National Bell RingingSunday, August 25
For more details, please visit the Hampton VA 2019 Commemorative Commission -- 1619-2019 Commemoration First African Landing website. |
Last updated: August 24, 2019