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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Mother’s Day CrafTea

Event Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026

Mums for Mom? Get CrafTea for Mother’s Day and join us to build your own unique teacup floral arrangement, using the Victorian language of flowers, to send to your loved one while learning the history of spring blossoms. Join us at the Lynnhaven House as we return to the teacup designs to learn all the secret messages spring blossoms hold, followed by a hands-on workshop.

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History Lunch and Learn: Francis Land House Heirloom Gardens

Event Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026

The history of the gardens of Francis Land House has been one of continual change and development. Come with us as we explore the transformation from a 19^th century plantation landscape into a modern, seven-acre historical, educational, and organic gardening site managed by the Virginia Beach Master Gardeners.

History Lunch and Learn Ticket Information

Community Day 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.

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