Black history bus tour in Hampton highlights 1619 memorial and more

Hampton — A Hampton bus tour aims to take riders through four centuries of history in four hours.

The city’s Convention and Visitor Bureau is launching Friday the “400 Years Forward Bus Tour” on two weekends in Black History Month.

Stops include the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center, a guided tour of the Hampton History Museum and a libation ceremony at the 1619 memorial site at the fort.

In August 1619, the first Africans in British North America landed at Old Point Comfort in present-day Hampton aboard a ship called White Lion. They were put to work, the start of what would become widespread race-based slavery in the United States.

[ 1619 was a big year for Virginia and the nation. 400 years later, the state remembers. ]

The city and state have worked in recent years — including for the 400th anniversary of the event three years ago — to better highlight that history and jumpstart discussions about its lasting impacts.

The “400 Years Forward” bus tour will be led by Deanna McRae King, an African American storyteller and owner of Fruits & Roots Wine Tours, according to a city news release.

The tour includes lunch at Mango Mangeaux in Phoebus, which serves French, Creole and neo-soul styles of cooking.

“These cuisines are meaningful as they all possess comfort, classic flavor and heritage,” city officials said.

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If you go

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Feb. 11, 12, 25 and 26

Where: Pickup and drop off at The Landing at Hampton Marina, 700 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton

Tickets: Adults, $52.99; children, $45.99. Includes site visits, lunch, a gift bag and pickup and drop off.

Details: Go to VisitHampton.com and click on Black History Tours. Masks are required inside bus and museums.