About Us
About Virginia Beach History Museums
Virginia Beach History Museums preserves and shares the people, places and stories that shaped Virginia Beach. Through historic sites, exhibitions, collections, research, tours and programs, the museums connect residents and visitors with the many communities and experiences that are part of our city’s history.
Our Museums
The museum system includes four distinctive sites: Francis Land House, Thoroughgood House, Lynnhaven House, and the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum. Together, these sites tell stories spanning early Virginia through the 20th century and provide opportunities to explore history in the places where it happened.
Our work continues to evolve as new research, preservation projects and community partnerships deepen our understanding of these sites and the people connected to them.
Explore the MuseumsAbout Cultural Affairs
Virginia Beach History Museums is part of the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department .
The Cultural Affairs Department is the driving force behind Virginia Beach’s thriving arts, heritage and cultural landscape. Through dynamic and meaningful experiences, the Department connects residents and visitors alike, fostering stronger, more vibrant communities. In addition to leading the City’s Public Art Program and overseeing Virginia Beach History Museums, the Department guides the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and manages partnerships with key cultural institutions and organizations. As a resource to the local arts and humanities community, Cultural Affairs works to ensure that arts, heritage and culture remain an important part of Virginia Beach’s identity and growth.
About Collections & Research
Virginia Beach History Museums cares for collections that help document and interpret the history of Virginia Beach and the people connected to its museum sites. The collections include historic objects, archaeological materials, photographs, documents and other resources used for exhibitions, research and interpretation.
Selected collection records and images are available through the Virginia Beach History Museums online collections site, allowing visitors, students and researchers to explore museum objects beyond the walls of the historic sites. Explore online collections.
Virginia Beach Historic Houses Foundation
Help Preserve Virginia Beach History
The Virginia Beach Historic Houses Foundation helps strengthen and support the work of Virginia Beach History Museums by providing funding for historic artifacts, educational programs and initiatives that increase public awareness of Virginia Beach history.
Founded in 2013, the Foundation works in partnership with Virginia Beach History Museums to help preserve and enhance the City-owned historic houses and sites for current and future generations.
Ways to DonateYour Support Makes a Difference
Private support helps the Foundation advance projects and experiences that complement the City’s stewardship of the museum sites. Donate Today!
Foundation support may help provide:
- Historic furnishings and artifacts
- Educational programs and learning experiences
- Exhibitions and interpretive enhancements
- Preservation-related initiatives
- Programs that connect residents and visitors with Virginia Beach history
Every gift helps strengthen the museums’ ability to preserve important places and share their stories with the community.
Foundation Information
Make a secure online contribution to the Virginia Beach Historic Houses Foundation using a credit or debit card through PayPal .
If you would like your gift to support a specific program or project, or if you are making a gift in honor or memory of someone, include that information in the special instructions on the donation page. Otherwise, your contribution will support the Foundation’s unrestricted Annual Fund.
Donate OnlinePayPal currently charges a processing fee for online contributions. Donors may choose to cover that fee when making a gift.
Send a Check Payable To:
Virginia Beach Historic Houses Foundation
P.O. Box 61427
Virginia Beach, VA 23466-1427
The Virginia Beach Historic Houses Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Tax ID: 47-1024165
The Virginia Beach Historic Houses Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees committed to preserving historic places, strengthening museum collections and interpretation, and expanding opportunities for the public to engage with Virginia Beach history.
Officers
- Shahzeib Parvez — President
- Jane Amelon — Secretary
- Dylan Spivey — Treasurer
Trustees
- William Jackson
- Juanita Felton
- Waverly Williams
Interested in Learning More
Questions about the Virginia Beach Historic Houses Foundation or giving opportunities?
Virginia Beach History Museums
lwigginton@vbgov.com
Additional Information
Virginia Beach History Museums may photograph or record programs, events and activities in museum buildings and on museum grounds for educational, promotional and archival purposes. Visitors who do not wish to be photographed or recorded should notify museum staff or the photographer.
For press inquiries and media availability, contact Alex Dye, Media and Communications Coordinator for the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, at cdye@vbgov.com or 757-385-2410.
Discover upcoming programs, preservation projects, museum news and stories from across Virginia Beach History Museums.
Follow Virginia Beach History Museums on social media for behind-the-scenes stories, events, historic photographs, objects and updates from the museum sites.
Join Our NewsletterVolunteers are essential to the City of Virginia Beach History Museums. They fill a variety of roles, from leading museum tours to tending the gardens, teaching school groups, researching the collection and participating in special events.
If you have a skill to offer, or simply are interested in the many volunteer opportunities available, please email VolunteerVBHM@vbgov.com . Your help is always welcome.