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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Woman Making Bread

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Colonial Foodways

Event Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026

Food is a topic everyone can relate to all over the world and throughout history. Join us as we take a culinary journey to see what people in colonial times were eating and drinking. How was it different than today and how was it the same? Enjoy a food-related craft and a hearth cooking demonstration.

Colonial Foodways Tickets
Man Looking at Museum Exhibit

History Lunch and Learn

Event Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026

Come to the Lynnhaven House to learn about the formation of African American communities in Princess Anne County from the Civil War through the 1950s from local historian, author, and Union Kempsville High School alumnus Edna Hawkins-Hendrix. You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy during the program.

Register for History Lunch and Learn
Indigenous Pathways TH Focus Tour Artifacts

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours: Indigenous Pathways

Event Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Food is a topic everyone can relate to all over the world and throughout history. Join us as we take a culinary journey to see what people in colonial times were eating and drinking. How was it different than today and how was it the same? Enjoy a food-related craft and a hearth cooking demonstration.

Register for Thoroughgood House Focus Tours

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 with Trees in Background

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

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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