Steampunk Visions of Future’s Past – June 2-3

Steampunk: Visions of Futures Past

During Blackbeard Festival Weekend

Exposition of Marvels:

Saturday, June 2, 10 am-5 pm, Free

Sunday, June 3, 1-5 pm, Free

Evening Celebration:

 Saturday, June 2, 6-9 pm, $10

Purchase tickets in advance, call 757-727-6824

Imagination and artistry conspire to present artifacts of alternative history in the 6th Annual “Steampunk: Visions of Futures Past” Exposition of Marvels and Evening Celebration at the Hampton History Museum during the 19th Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival weekend June 2 & 3, 2018.

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. For the 6th incarnation of this popular event and exhibit, artists and entertainers are commemorating the 300th Anniversary of Blackbeard the Pirate in a retro-futuristic way as only Steampunks can do!

The weekend is organized by Aela Badiana and Michael Parodi of Hatton Cross Steampunk. Admission to the museum and exhibit is free and open to the public on Saturday, June 2, 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday, June 3, 1-5 pm. Tickets to the celebration on Saturday, June 2, 6-9 pm are $10. 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 award-winning Steampunk artisans Dave Lee and 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. Gadgetometers, of New Windsor, MD, will showcase their spectacular gadgets and inventions. Work can be admired and purchased from other artists including Sinead Sanderson of Original Sin Art, Kazuko Fuller and Nancy Bateman. Also featured will be several authors from Virginia-based HCS Publishing, along with other vendors from near and far. Partake in the thrills and spills of Splendid Teapot Racing of Hampton Roads at 12:00 pm on Saturday followed by special “quirkadelic” musical guests Uglyography at 2:00 pm. Round 2 of the riveting sport, Splendid Teapot Racing, returns on Sunday at 2:00 pm.

Evening Celebration
On Saturday, June 2, 6-9 pm, celebrate this fantastical exposition with the “Grunge Grass” music of alt-country band Tornado Bait and the gypsy-jazz, Polish polka, Irish-themed punk, folk, spectacular, blissful swinging bar party sound of Mosquito Cabaret. Prepare to be mesmerized by the fabulous steampunk-pirate themed dance performance by Aela Badiana and 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 Evening Celebration are $10 and limited. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Call the museum gift shop at 757-727-6824.

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.