Newly Restored with Refreshed Exhibitions

Francis Land House

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

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One of the Oldest Surviving Colonial Homes in Virginia Beach

Thoroughgood House

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Experience Virginia Beach's Rich Heritage

Virginia Beach History Museums

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Throughgood Historic house external view.

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

Young Woman Standing by Window in Thoroughgood House

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: HerStory

Event Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026

Dive deep into the stories of some of the unheard voices in history at the Thoroughgood House. In colonial times, women’s societal power was limited, but they were essential to maintaining their families and communities around them. “Herstory” focuses on these tales, including Susannah Sanford Thoroughgood, Sarah Offley, and their connection to the Thoroughgood House, as well as stories of matriarchal indigenous societies and the experiences of enslaved women at this time.

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: HerStory

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Plantapalooza: Herbs, Fabrics, and Dyes, Oh My!

Event Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026

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

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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