Monday, November 10, 2025
The public is invited to celebrate the grand reopening and restoration of the Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd., at a free Community Day from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Step back in time as the historic home from 1805 and stunning grounds teem with the sights, sounds and smells of early 19th century Virginia with live artisan demonstrations, hearth cooking, music and more.
“The reopening of the Francis Land House marks a meaningful moment for Virginia Beach,” said Emily Spruill Labows, director of the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department. “This beloved landmark connects us to the city’s early stories while opening new opportunities for reflection, learning and community connection.”
New exhibits highlight the history of the home through various eras, such as prohibition, World War II, and when the house served as the Rose Hall Dress Shop. Additional exhibits showcase items unearthed during the restoration, also pay homage to the enslaved persons who worked on the property in the first half of the 19th century, and the indigenous peoples whose land became this site.
Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer emphasized the reopening as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to honoring its past while investing in its future.
“The Francis Land House stands as a reminder of our city’s deep and diverse roots,” Dyer said. “Its reopening honors the people, traditions and experiences that have shaped Virginia Beach over centuries. We are proud to see this landmark preserved for future generations to experience and learn from.”
Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson, a longtime advocate for the City’s historic houses, highlighted the emotional connection residents have with the site.
“The Francis Land House has long held a special place in the hearts of our residents,” said Wilson. “Its reopening is a moment of pride for our community — honoring the generations who came before us and preserving a piece of history that continues to connect us to our sense of place.”
The Francis Land House’s reopening also reflects the City’s commitment to sharing history in ways that resonate with today’s residents and visitors.
“The Francis Land House offers an opportunity to reflect on all of the stories that shaped Virginia Beach,” said Councilmember Michael Berlucchi, who represents the district where the home is located. “Its restoration shows our City’s commitment to preserving history in ways that educate, connect and inspire our community.”
Additionally, visitors at the Community Day will be among the first to experience augmented reality (AR) at Francis Land House, providing new ways to interact with, and learn about, the historic home and grounds.
Register for free tickets in advance at Culture.VirginiaBeach.gov/Events . Walk-ins will also be welcome, but parking at the event is limited.
The Francis Land House is one of four sites that comprise the Virginia Beach History Museums. Its standard hours of operation will be the same as those of The Thoroughgood House, which will be closed on Nov. 16 so all staff and visitors may enjoy the special Community Day at Francis Land House.
Starting Nov. 20, both the Francis Land House and the Thoroughgood House will be open for free, standard tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays, except on City holidays.