Groups of Students on Field Trip

Come visit us!

Virginia Beach History Museums’ educational programs are led by trained educators and are strongly aligned with the most up-to-date Virginia Standards of Learning . Our programs provide meaningful STEAM experiences through the lens of History & Social Science. Students will engage in 60–90-minute programs that promote a sense of curiosity through unique, hands-on programming that brings history to life. At only $7 per student, our educational programs provide excellent value.

Please plan to make reservations for school programs at least a month in advance. Call (757) 385-5100, or email VBHistory@vbgov.com , to make reservations. All field trips are currently only offered at the Thoroughgood House. Read below for program availability by season.

Year-Round Field Trips

What would it be like stepping into an entirely different world? Students will use their imaginations and observation skills to step into the past! Students will explore the ways in which the past is similar and different to today. By the time our visitors make it back to the 21st century, they'll find the lives of children over 200 years ago are surprisingly similar to their own!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in colonial Virginia? Students learn about the various lived experiences on our historic sites. Students will explore colonial clothing, farming, and trades through a guided exploration of a historic home. Students will also leave with their very own wildflower seed ball!

Princess Anne County Training School was the first high school for African Americans in Princess Anne County, now known as Virginia Beach. The school was a result of the African American community in the 1920s and 1930s working together to raise money to build a school so their children could receive a proper education. 

In 1962, the Princess Anne County Training School changed its name to . After over 30 years of operation, Union Kempsville High School graduated its last class in 1969 due to the city-wide integration of schools.

Today the legacy of the school continues with the establishment of the museum  which shares stories of family, community, sacrifice, and the importance of education. The museum is located within Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy, 5100 Cleveland Street.

The museum is available for field trips dealing with civil rights on request. There is also potential to add to the field trip a Q & A session with alumni of the school. Please plan to make reservations for school programs at least a month in advance. Call (757) 385-5100 or email VBHistory@vbgov.com to make reservations.

Summer/Fall Field Trips

Attention future archaeologists! Come visit the Virginia Beach History Museums and dig up some history! Students will uncover how the intersection between the field of archaeology and history combine to tell a story. Students will explore the story of how historic sites through hands-on mock excavations and lab analysis. Students will leave the program with their very own artifact booklets!