One of the Oldest Surviving Colonial Homes in Virginia Beach.

Thoroughgood House

Name: City of Virginia Beach Web Team
Price range: $

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Experience Virginia Beach's Rich Heritage

Virginia Beach History Museums

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Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Colonial Espionage: Secrets, Spies, and Ciphers

Event Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Someone’s keeping secrets in Hampton Roads! Immerse yourself in ciphers and codes as you learn about some of the key figures and the various ways important information was passed by both sides during the Revolutionary War. Make your own coding device to keep your secrets safe.

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours Tickets

Community day event; kids in Francis Land House basement.

Free First Saturday Community Day: History of the Automobile

Event Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

The invention and mass production of the automobile in the 1920s led to an increase in travel and the building of new roads. The completion of Virginia Beach Blvd. in 1921 brought a surge of tourism to Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, cementing it as a popular travel destination. We’ll be making balloon cars that will fly across the floor and building your dream cars out of building bricks.

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Colonial Foodways

Event Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026

Food is a topic everyone can relate to all over the world and throughout history. Join us as we take a culinary journey to see what people in colonial times were eating and drinking. How was it different than today and how was it the same? Enjoy a food-related craft and a hearth cooking demonstration.

Colonial Foodways Tickets

Virginia Beach History Museums

The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House, Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum and the Thoroughgood House. They are a division of the City’s Cultural Affairs Department.

As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities.

*Note: Photos and videos may be taken by Virginia Beach History Museums staff during programs and throughout Virginia Beach History Museums buildings and grounds. If you do not wish to have your picture taken, please avoid the camera or tell the photographer.

About Us

Experience the Museums

Tours

Individuals and groups are welcome to visit our historic museums, including free standard tours and special group packages.

Thoroughgood House

The Thoroughgood House is open for free tours! Sign up for tours online . Walk-ins will also be welcome as space allows.

Visitors Viewing Clothes Behind a Glass Display

PACTS/UKHS Museum

The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (PACTS/UKHS) is NOW OPEN for FREE, self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There is no need to register in advance for self-guided tours.

Group of Visitors Learning About Cooking Over an Open Flame

Group Visits

The Virginia Beach History Museums offer several special programs for group visits, including for traveling bus groups. Please contact us at vbhistory@vbgov.com, or call (757) 385-5100, to book group visits and ask any questions.

Francis Land House

The historic Francis Land House is now open for free tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Register for free Francis Land House tours online. Walk-ins also welcome.

Museum Blog