Private Events
Make your special day truly historic by celebrating at the Virginia Beach History Museums. The Francis Land House and its grounds, the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center and the grounds of the Lynnhaven House, as well as the Thoroughgood House gardens and grounds, are available for your private party. From an intimate dinner to a corporate retreat, a weekend baby shower to a spectacular wedding and reception, our lush gardens and historic settings are the perfect venue for a memorable event.
Please call (757) 385-5118, or email us at vbhistoryevents@vbgov.com , for more information on rentals.
Francis Land House
(HOUSE CURRENTLY CLOSED)
The cellar of the historic Francis Land House is available for private events from 4:30 - 11 p.m. It accommodates 50 people. The beautifully-landscaped grounds of the Francis Land House accommodate tented events for up to 300 guests. The grounds are available from 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Use of the restrooms and kitchen at the Francis Land House is included in all rentals.
Lynnhaven House and Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center
The Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center is available for use from 4:30 - 11 p.m. Rental includes great room, kitchen and restrooms. The historic house is not available for viewing during the rental. The Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center accommodates 50 people for a seated dinner and up to 150 people standing with cocktail tables. The Lynnhaven House grounds are available from 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Grounds rental includes the use of the restrooms and kitchen in the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center. Outdoor events accommodate up to 300 people.
Thoroughgood House
The Thoroughgood Gardens and grounds accommodate up to 100 guests for tented events only. One or two staffers will be on site for questions and house tours if pre-arranged. The renter will have use of two outdoor restrooms. The outdoor venue is available from 4 - 11 p.m.; the indoor venue for private events and meetings is available from 4:30 - 11 p.m.
Photography Sessions
Are you interested in hosting a photography session at one of our historic homes or museums? Whether it is an engagement shoot, professional business photography session, graduation photos or anything else, we welcome you to join us!
Fees:
- $50 per any session per day
- $500 for an Annual Photography Pass*
- *All dates used for photography, including the annual photography pass, must be approved by the Program and Events Associate 30 days in advance of History Museums Site usage.
- Download, complete and submit the Commercial Permit for History Museums Site Usage no less than 30 days in advance of your photo shoot to us at vbhistoryevents@vbgov.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
Lynnhaven House’s Colonial Education Center can hold 50 seated, 100 cocktail style, 150 standing, and the Lynnhaven House grounds can hold up to 300 for tented events. The Francis Land House can hold 50 seated and 75 cocktail style, and the grounds can hold up to 300 for tented events. The Thoroughgood House’s Education Center can only hold 40 seated and about 45 standing in the classroom only. The classroom and exhibit room together can hold 75 standing only. The Thoroughgood House grounds can hold 100 guests for tented events.
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of our sites is we do not have specific vendors you must use. We also can accommodate food trucks on site if you choose to rent them.
Table and chairs for any indoor or outside use will have to be rented.
Yes, if all necessary permits are procured. If you plan to serve alcohol, an alcohol liability insurance is required, and may be purchased through the City of Virginia Beach. It is your responsibility to secure an ABC license. More information can be found at One Beach Entertainment .
A $500 non-refundable security deposit is required to reserve your date for a wedding. Meetings and other types of private events require a $150 non-refundable security deposit. Email us at vbhistoryevents@vbgov.com for more information.
Our cancellation policy is in our Facility Use Agreement. However, should you desire to cancel your Agreement, and if notification of such desire is given to the City (through Virginia Beach History Museums) in writing at least (30) days prior to date of event.
You may begin your rental any time after 9 a.m. Events at all sites will run no later than 11 p.m.