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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Ice Cream Cone Construction Paper Cutouts

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: History of Ice Cream

Event Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026

Come to the Thoroughgood House for an extra sweet history tour! In celebration of national ice cream month, tours will focus on the history of ice cream, from its origins in the early centuries, historical flavors, connections to European royalty, Virginia and more! During tours, free ice cream treats will also be available for guests to enjoy.

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: History of Ice Cream

Two Men Dressed as Pirates Speaking to Guests at Museum Event

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Pirates and Piracy

Event Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026

Join the Virginia Beach History Museums for a swashbuckling adventure through the history of pirates and piracy! Tours will highlight the history of Dutch, English, Spanish, and French pirates, and their involvement with the Virginia Colony and early America, during the "golden age" of piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Thoroughgood House will also have a scavenger hunt for you to plunder your own pirate “booty.”

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Pirates and Piracy

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Enslaved Perspective

Event Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026

Learn about the history and stories of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the Thoroughgood House property in the 18th and 19th centuries, view the site from their perspective and discover tales of enslaved individuals who made it to freedom. There will also be a cornhusk doll-making activity for kids to enjoy.

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Enslaved Perspective

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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