News Flash

Steampunk Exhibit and Event at the Hampton History Museum
Coincide with the 20th Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival on June 1 & 2, 2019

Steampunk: Visions of Futures Past
Exposition of Marvels: Saturday, June 1, 10 am-5 pm & and Sunday, June 2, 1-5 pm, Free
“Geared-Up Gala” Evening Celebration: Saturday, June 1, 6-9 pm, $10—on sale now!

Imagination and artistry conspire to present artifacts of alternative history in the 7th Annual “Steampunk: Visions of Futures Past” Exposition of Marvels and “Geared-Up Gala” evening celebration at the Hampton History Museum during the 20th Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival weekend June 1 & 2, 2019. 

Join Hatton Cross Steampunk and featured presenters such as A Steampunked Life to experience the work of artists and craftspeople whose attire, weaponry, gadgets, contraptions and conveyances conjure up a time when airships were commonplace and steam power ruled the world. 

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that focuses on a romanticized notion of futurism, typically taking place either during the Victorian era (1851-1901) or maintaining similar fashion and aesthetic of the era but set in an alternate time, place, or even world.  Machinery abounds and one's imagination is fueled by fantastic steam engines and limitless possibilities. 

More activities have been added to this year’s event to put visitors in a Steampunk frame of mind. Attendees can literally “put themselves in the picture” in a Steampunk Selfie Station complete with retro sci-fi backgrounds, costume items and props. Children (and adults) can get into the creative mode of the event by making Steampunk props with arts and crafts supplies provided and coloring pages created especially for the event by Conquest Comics. 

The weekend is organized by Michael Parodi of Hatton Cross Steampunk, Sinéad Sanderson of Original Sin Art, and Msesippi McQuown of Tornado Bait. Admission to the museum and exhibit is free and open to the public on Saturday, June 1, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 2, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tickets to the celebration on Saturday, June 1, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Advance purchase is recommended by calling 757-727-6824.

Exposition of Marvels
Throughout the weekend, be dazzled by the work of a variety of Steampunk artists highlighted by the inventions and vehicles of Steampunk artisan Michael Parodi of Hatton Cross Steampunk from Gloucester, VA. A Steampunked Life from Surry, VA, will be purveying their original artwork, steampunk weapons, hats, accessories and other retro-futurist accouterments. Steampunk mixed-media art, jewelry and accessories can be admired and purchased from artist Sinead Sanderson of Original Sin Art. Lamps, metal art, hats and jewelry will be offered for sale from artist Doug West. Also featured will be several authors from Virginia-based HCS Publishing, as well as Conquest Comics. 

Attendees can partake in the thrills and spills of Splendid Teapot Racing at 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Musician Katie Teardrop will perform at 2:30 pm on Sunday. On both days, Michael Parodi will be offering “Steampunk 101,” to orient the uninitiated on Steampunk.

“Geared-Up Gala” Evening Celebration
On Saturday, June 1, 6-9 pm, celebrate this fantastical exposition with the “Geared-Up Gala” featuring the “Grunge Grass” music of Tornado Bait in a musical twist on Grimm's Fairy Tales. Join the band for a presentation of Msesippi's Grimm Un-fairy Tales narrating the epic stories of scorned lovers, neighbors and the world around us. Gather about this band featuring a unique line up of friends and special guest for a night to remember. Grab an instrument from the "Trunk of Funk," play a limber jack and draw a happy face on a brown paper bag. Mosquito Cabaret make music that knows no borders; with a  melting pot of sonic qualities consisting of equal parts folk, punk,  klezmer, humppa, rembetika, and so much more!  Prepare to be mesmerized by the fabulous steampunk-themed dance performance Wicked Hips (USA). This is not a seated event.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programs. 

Tickets for the "Geared-Up Gala" are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. Call the museum gift shop at 757-727-6824.

The Great World Suitcase Challenge
Taking place throughout the weekend is  "The Great World Suitcase Challenge," a Steampunk makers challenge featuring, you guessed it, a suitcase! The idea was created by the ever brilliant Steampunk makers Aela Badiana and Andy Frasier and facilitated in the US and Europe by members of Hatton Cross Steampunk. Our judges are Dave Lee, Aela Badiana, Andy Fraser and Michael Parodi of HCS.  More information and rules.

The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street from the museum. For more information call 757-727-1102.