Learn about the archeological history of Downtown Hampton next week when archeologist Christopher McDaid joins the Virtual Port Hampton Lecture Series.
McDaid is lead archeologist for Joint Base Langley-Eustis and former field archeologist for the William and Mary Center for Archeologist Research. He notes the records of 18th-century Elizabeth City County reveal that the residents of what is now known as Hampton worked hard to stay up-to-date with the latest news and fashion. The title of his talk, “A very agreeable place and all the houses extremely neat,” is taken from the diary of a woman named Mrs. Browne.
The entry was on March 11, 1755. Gen. Edward Braddock was the British officer sent to America during the French and Indian War, and Browne accompanied Braddock’s army. The entry refers to when the army was moving through Hampton.The lecture explores what was learned from the excavations that highlight the sophisticated choices made by residents, with a special focus on the remains of the Bunch of Grapes and King’s Arms taverns that were the social center for Hampton’s elite.
The virtual lecture will be on the Hampton History Museum’s Facebook page on Jan. 4, from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. After the Facebook Live event, you can find it under the videos tab on the museum’s Facebook page. Soon after, it will be uploaded to the Hampton History Museum YouTube playlist, and website, www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org. Go online for more information.
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