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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group of people outside of the Lnnhaven house

Lynnhaven House Preservation Tour

Event Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Visit the historic Lynnhaven House and learn from Virginia Beach History Museums staff about the history and preservation methods of this unique, nearly 300-year-old vernacular-style house. During these FREE, 30-minute guided tours, become part of our restoration journey and enjoy a unique opportunity to discover architectural secrets once hidden beneath the plaster, take a firsthand look at past and present preservation work, and learn more about our continuing efforts to protect and preserve Lynnhaven House for future generations.

History Lunch and Learns: General Lafayette Then and Now

Event Date: Friday, April 17, 2026

Throughout 2024 and 2025, the American Friends of Lafayette commemorated the Bicentennial of Lafayette's return to America as Guest of the Nation, hosting 350 events across 24 states. Learn about Lafayette's contributions during the American Revolution, his lifelong passion for human rights, and how his legacy spread across the United States in 1824-1825 and again in 2024-2025. Talk will be led by Robert Kelly, Director of the Gloucester Museum of History, near Yorktown, Virginia, the site of the 1781 Battle of the Hook, a major Franco-American victory in the American Revolution.

Community Day Kids in Francis Land House Basement

Free First Saturday Community Day: Home Sweet Home

Event Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

They say home is where the heart is but there are a lot of different kinds of homes. Come by the Francis Land Home to learn more about this building that was home to so many and do some building yourself. Make a model of the Francis Land House and learn about the patterns used when building with bricks. Use building bricks to build your dream home. Enjoy storytime at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Activities available while supplies last.

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.

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