Thursday, June 18, 2026
Ice Cream, Pirates and Fourth of July: History Museums Summer 2026 Events
Free and low-cost events and tours available at four museums.
Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Plantapalooza: Herbs, Fabrics, and Dyes, Oh My!
The Virginia Beach History Museums’ historic homes were the center of massive plantations growing a variety of plants; some were grown for profit, some for food, others for medicinal purposes, and still others for clothing. Come see the Thoroughgood House herb garden and learn about the many ways that plants were central to life in the colonial era.
Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Plantapalooza
Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Colonial Espionage
Someone’s keeping secrets in Hampton Roads! Immerse yourself in ciphers and codes as you learn about 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: Colonial Espionage
Free First Saturday Community Day: Old Francis Land Had a Farm
For much of its life, the Francis Land House was the center of a large plantation that grew a variety of crops, including flax for making linen fabric. Later, it was a dairy farm that raised cows for milk. Come learn a little about the process of making cloth from a plant and getting milk from a cow. Make a seed bomb to grow a little something in your own backyard. Enjoy story time at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Free First Saturday Community Day: Old Francis Land Had a FarmVirginia 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 UsExperience 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.
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 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
News & Articles
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Lafayette Traveling Exhibit on Display at Francis Land House March 5 – May 31
Exhibit honors Franco-American Revolutionary War hero as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Monday, November 10, 2025
Historic Francis Land House to Reopen with Free Community Day Nov. 16
The public is invited to celebrate the grand reopening and restoration of the Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd., at a free Community Day from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Monday, July 7, 2025
Francis Land House Furniture Move-In, New Exhibits and Floorcloth, Museum Tours and More
Preserving the Past, Enhancing the Future