Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Dear Friends,
As we embrace the heart of winter, I want to take a moment to bid a fond farewell to Annmarie Reiley-Kay, who accepted an exciting new position in South Carolina last fall. Annmarie was an invaluable part of our team for the past four years, bringing dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of our history museums.
I know many of you built wonderful connections with her along the way. Her presence is missed, but we are so proud of her and wish her all the best in this new chapter. We are currently accepting applications and hope to fill her role as History Museums Director this spring.
Reflecting on a festive and successful holiday season, we are grateful for everyone who joined us for our special event offerings. From our Yule Tours to Ghost Tours and lively seasonal gatherings, we celebrated history in ways that brought our sites to life.
Now, as we turn toward spring, our focus shifts to planning engaging new programs and continuing important preservation work.
Speaking of preservation, exciting progress is being made on the Francis Land House restorations. This historic gem has undergone significant restorations which involves comprehensive updates to both the exterior and interior of the historic property.
These efforts will help maintain the Francis Land House as a valuable part of our community for generations to come.
Preserving the Past, Enhancing the Future:
Francis Land House’s Exciting Renovation, Exhibit Updates
Our restoration project continues to make progress, blending preservation with thoughtful enhancements that ensure this historic treasure remains vibrant for years to come.
Exterior Enhancements
The property’s exterior is getting a significant facelift with a new sidewalk, improved drainage around the foundation, and a new exterior moisture barrier. The historic picket fence and gate have been carefully repaired, and new shrub plantings are adding natural charm. Thanks to expert recommendations from Dr. Laurie J. Fox of the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, five beautiful dogwood trees now line the edge of the lawn by the vegetable garden—improving drainage while enhancing the landscape.
Additionally, after approval from the Historical Review Board, new gutters have been installed on the upper ridge of the north façade and the annex/addition, providing critical protection against moisture infiltration and ensuring the building’s longevity.
Interior Upgrades & Infrastructure Improvements
Inside, the City’s Public Works Department is making major strides in preservation and modernization. The basement now has a new waterproofed floor, brick walls have been repointed, and mechanical systems have been updated. Water-damaged areas have been repaired, and the entire interior has been freshly repainted, maintaining the home’s historic character.
A new fire suppression system is being installed, and an upgraded waterline has been connected. Electrical enhancements, including new lighting and ceiling fans, are also underway. Meanwhile, the outdated HVAC soffit in the basement has been replaced with discrete spiral ductwork, carefully painted to match the woodwork—opening up the space and minimizing its visual impact.
A New Exhibit Experience & Historic Floorcloth Installation
Exciting things are happening beyond the restoration work! The designs for our new exhibits have been finalized and are now in fabrication. We can’t wait to receive and install them, enhancing the visitor experience with engaging, thoughtfully curated displays.
Adding to the authenticity of the space, a brand-new handcrafted floorcloth, generously donated by the Friends of the Virginia Beach Historic Houses, is almost complete! Created by the renowned local company Black Dog Floorcloths, this beautiful piece will be installed after the hardwood floors are refinished.
For over 30 years, Black Dog Gallery has been a leading maker of historical and contemporary floorcloths, crafting pieces for prestigious sites such as Stratford Hall, Wilton House, and the Owens-Thomas House in Savannah, GA. Master craftsman Randy Hess has been documenting the entire process with photos and videos, allowing us to share this important American decorative arts tradition with our visitors. To learn more about their work, visit BlackDogGallery.net .
Final Touches Coming Soon
We are entering the final phase of this exciting restoration! The original hardwood floors will soon be carefully refinished to restore their warm, historic luster. Meanwhile, fresh exterior woodwork repairs and a new coat of paint have revived the building’s timeless charm.
Stay tuned for more updates—we can’t wait to welcome you back to experience these thoughtful renovations and new exhibits firsthand!
Thoroughgood House Award Nomination
The Thoroughgood House was nominated for the "Best History Museum" category in the 2025 Coastal Virginia Magazine "Best of Readers' Choice Awards!"
You can vote for the house online through March 7.
NSDAR Revolutionary War Plaque at Thoroughgood
Last fall, local chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) held a ceremony at the Thoroughgood House to unveil a new, permanent plaque, as part of Virginia Beach’s celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
The plaque creation and dedication were a joint project by the Virginia Beach DAR’s Adam Thoroughgood House, Lynnhaven Parish, Francis Land House, and Princess Anne County chapters to commemorate the “Thorowgoods in the Revolution.”
Ghost Tours and Holiday Programs
The popular “Ghosts of Thoroughgood Past” paranormal tours returned to the Thoroughgood House in October for the fourth year in a row. Guests enjoyed two weekends of hauntingly fun fall nights filled with history, refreshments, and looking out for spirits on the grounds.
In December, we started off with our Candlelight Yule Tours at the Thoroughgood House. Guests stepped back in time to experience colonial Christmas traditions. Costumed guides escorted visitors through the home and grounds, and shared stories of the decorations, traditions, foods, and festivities of 18th century coastal Virginia. Live instrumental music was provided in the house by members of the Itinerant Band.
Over at the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center, we celebrated the holidays and our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday with our Two-Fif-Tea-Th Tavern event, commemorating the 1774 Yorktown Tea Party! Visitors played authentic games from the time period and discovered the role that taverns and coffee houses played during the American Revolution.
Lynnhaven House Preservation Tours
As we celebrate the Lynnhaven House’s 300th birthday in 2025, there is now a unique opportunity to see the inner architecture of the home while under restoration!
During these free, 30-minute guided tours, become part of our restoration journey and enjoy a unique opportunity to discover architectural secrets once hidden beneath the plaster, take a firsthand look at past and present preservation work, and learn more about our continuing efforts to protect and preserve Lynnhaven House for future generations.
Feel free to bring a lunch and stay and enjoy the beautiful Lynnhaven House grounds after your tour. Tours run at noon on the third Thursday of each month. Register online for your tour at Culture.VirginiaBeach.gov/Events .
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to sharing more with you in the months ahead!
‘ImmortALL’ Poetry Program with PACTS/UKHS Alumni
Teens With a Purpose, a local youth arts empowerment organization, is in their 5th year of partnership with the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department and Virginia Beach History Museums on the “ImmortALL” teen poetry program. As part of the program, Hampton Roads teens work on developing their writing, poetry, and spoken word skills, while being inspired through interviews with school alumni at the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (PACTS/UKHS).
This year’s “ImmortALL” Grand Finale is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 in the Zeiders American Dream Theater. Ticket registration for this event is free , so please come and support the work of these youth poets, and listen to their final poetry, incorporating local history!
We also welcome you to tour the PACTS/UKHS Museum, which is located inside the Renaissance Academy, 5100 Cleveland Street. Tours are free and run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Advance registration is not required.
My Best Wishes,
Emily Labows
Director, Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department