Thoroughgood House to Re-Open for Public Tours May 1

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Apr. 12, 2021) – The Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department and Virginia Beach History Museums are excited to announce that the historic Thoroughgood House will re-open for public tours on May 1!

Admission is free. Tours will run every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, initially, with more days and times to be announced starting this summer. To book your reservation, visit museumsvb.org/admission, scroll to the bottom of the page, select the date and time you wish to attend and follow the instructions to reserve your admission. You will receive an email confirmation containing a copy of your responses.

Tickets must be reserved online in advance of each tour, and, to comply with COVID-19 safety protocols, tours will be limited to 10 guests per 30-minute tour session. If you have any questions about reserving tickets online, please call 757-385-5100, or email vbhistory@vbgov.com.

“Our museum staff have missed all of our community members and stakeholders,” said Annmarie Reiley-Kay, Virginia Beach History Museums Director. “We are delighted to bring back guests to the historic Thoroughgood House on May 1, keeping the health and safety of our guests and staff as our highest priority. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our community members, stakeholders, staff, and volunteers for their support during these especially challenging times.”

In addition to timed ticketing and small tours, the Virginia Beach History Museums have implemented the following COVID-19 safety measures:

Face coverings are required for all guests and staff.
COVID-19 safety signage is displayed on site.
Reception desk has a plexiglass barrier to protect both guests and staff upon check in.
Surfaces and high traffic areas will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Guests are asked to kindly not touch any items in the Thoroughgood House or Thoroughgood House exhibit.

The Thoroughgood House, built circa 1719, is one of the oldest surviving colonial homes in Virginia Beach and is a National Historic Landmark.

At this time, the Francis Land House and Lynnhaven House remain closed for restoration. The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum is located in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Renaissance Academy and is closed to the public while the school is closed. Visit museumsvb.org and follow Virginia Beach History Museums on social media for the latest updates.

ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT:

The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The Department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA and the ViBe Creative District, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.

###

News Releases: VBgov.com/News