Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The Virginia Beach History Museums invites the public to the Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd., from March 5 – May 31 to enjoy “The Life and Legacy of The Marquis de Lafayette,” a traveling, six-banner exhibit telling the important stories of Lafayette’s life and legacy, including his American Revolution participation, his critical role in cementing the Franco-American Alliance, and his lifelong passion for human rights.
The exhibit, presented by The American Friends of Lafayette, shares these stories through historic images, carefully researched label copy, and engaging graphic design. Additionally, there is a panel focused on his return as “Guest of the Nation” in 1824-25, and the efforts of the American Friends of Lafayette to commemorate this bicentennial in 2024-25. This exhibit strives to make Lafayette’s story more accessible and relevant to today’s citizens.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, the exhibition also makes connections between American Revolution leaders Lafayette and George Washington, and introduces more recent history, including the 2002 decision to proclaim Lafayette an honorary citizen of the United States.
The exhibit will be on display in the basement of the Francis Land House from March 5 – May 31, and visible whenever the house is open for tours and events. Standard tours of the Francis Land House are free, and run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Book free Francis Land House tour tickets online or at the door.
For the latest information about Virginia Beach History Museums events, tours and group visits, please visit vbmuseums.org . If you have any questions about these events, please call (757) 385-5100 or email vbhistory@vbgov.com .
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 the 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.
About the City of 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, and are part 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. Visit www.museumsvb.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.
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