Thank you

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Hill House Museum! It was truly an amazing day — filled with history, laughter, and great company.

Visitors enjoyed meeting our wonderful reenactors, exploring the beautifully restored home, and hearing stories that brought the past to life. The energy and excitement throughout the day made it clear how much this historic home means to our community.

A special thank you to all our incredible volunteers and participants who made the event possible — your hard work and enthusiasm made it a day to remember!

If you joined us, share your favorite photos or memories from the celebration — we’d love to see them!

The Hill Family returns…

Experience the Hill House as it comes alive with re-enactors, stories, and surprises from the past 200 years. Certain members of the Hill family return from beyond for the day to help celebrate its 200th anniversary and talk about their life in the home. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history and hear stories from the past come to life before your eyes!

Feel the music of the past come alive!

Feel the music of the past come alive!

Join us in the afternoon as the Tidewater Winds Brass Quintet fills the air with lively 1825-era tunes, perfectly paired with dramatic readings from local newspapers that capture what life was like in Portsmouth two centuries ago.
Step back in time — experience the sights, sounds, and stories of 1825!
The band performs in the gardens 3:00-4:00

A Special 200th Anniversary Event You Won’t Want to Miss!

Step into history at The Hill House as we proudly welcome award-winning historian and author Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander for an unforgettable lecture celebrating our 200th anniversary!

Dr. Newby-Alexander — the Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture at Norfolk State University — will uncover the fascinating stories of skilled enslaved laborers whose craftsmanship shaped homes like the Hill House in the early 1800s.

Discover newly revealed connections between George Teamoh, Portsmouth’s trailblazing African American legislator, and John Thompson, the builder of the Hill House.

Come be part of this powerful journey through Portsmouth’s past — where history, resilience, and legacy come alive before your eyes!

Join us for this rare and inspiring event during our 200th Anniversary Celebration!

Dr. Newby-Alexander's lecture begins promptly at 1 PM in the gardens of the Hill House Museum in downtown Portsmouth- 221 North St.

Step Behind the Scenes at the Hill House!

Experience history with a special architectural tour showcasing the construction of the Hill House. This tour offers a unique perspective you won’t get on our regular tours! Also, learn directly from Colonial Williamsburg tradesmen as they demonstrate 19th-century building techniques and share fascinating facts about how the home was built.

Plus, set sail on history with the crew of the Frigate Constellation, who bring the spirit of the sea to life through lively maritime demonstrations and town market.

Don’t miss this rare chance to explore history up close and see the past come alive!

It’s a day full of sights, sounds, and stories from Portsmouth’s past — fun for history lovers and families alike!

Hampton Roads Show

Click on this link to learn more about the 200th Anniversary on October 25. Julie and David were on the Hampton Roads Show on Wavy. Watch it and tell us what you think, leave us a comment.

https://www.wavy.com/.../hrs-history-of-hill-house/11173964

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – The community in Portsmouth is preparing for a celebration of fascinating history and special anniversaries! The 200th anniversary for the construction of Hill House is approaching. David Reitz, the president of the museum and Julie Dunn, their historian, share what we need to know about the Hill House and its anniversary.

The celebration will occur October 25 at 221 North Street, Portsmouth, VA from 10am to 5pm.

The day will be full of events for the entire family to enjoy. Admission is free and takes place directly on the grounds of Hill House! For more information call 757-714-3226 or visit thehillhousemuseum.org.