Virginia Beach History Museums - Thoroughgood House

Thoroughgood House Tours:

The Thoroughgood House is NOW OPEN for free tours! No advanced registration required. Tours available on a first come first served basis. Click on the hours & admissions tab for tour hours. If you are planning to bring a tour of 10+ guests, please give us 24-48 hours advance notice by calling 757-385-5100 or emailing vbhistory@vbgov.com.
*HOLIDAY CLOSURE NOTE: the Thoroughgood House is CLOSED Dec. 22-24, 2023.

CIRCA 1719

One of the oldest surviving colonial homes in Virginia Beach and a National Historic Landmark, the Thoroughgood House was likely built in 1719 by Argall Thorowgood II, great-grandson of Adam Thorowgood. A leader in the Virginia Colony, Adam Thorowgood helped establish Princess Anne County, which would later become the independent City of Virginia Beach.

Argall Thorowgood died mid-construction and his wife Susannah completed the work. Their son John later added the elements for which the house is known: its extensive wainscoting and paneling, as well as its dramatic turned staircase. The home is furnished to reflect the period that John Thorowgood and his household occupied the site.

You may begin your tour by visiting the recently constructed Thoroughgood House Education Center to learn about the history of Princess Anne County, the impact of the Thorowgood family, and the overarching story of how this area has grown. We invite you to enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped English garden before stepping back in time as you enter the home. Guided tours of the home itself give you a glimpse into the daily lifestyle of wealthy Virginia colonists who lived there. Educational programs are also available to schools, scout groups, and homeschooling families.

Interested in learning about renting the historic Thoroughgood House, Thoroughgood Education Center and surrounding grounds and gardens for your next wedding, party or other private event? Email our Program and Events staff at vbhistoryevents@vbgov.com, or call 757-385-5100, for more information.

Current Hours:

Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (tours every 45 minutes)
Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (tours every 45 minutes)
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (tours every 45 minutes)
Sunday: 1 - 5 p.m. (tours every 45 minutes)

*HOLIDAY CLOSURE NOTE: the Thoroughgood House is CLOSED Dec. 22-24, 2023.

Email vbhistory@vbgov.com or call 757-385-5100 to inquire about available tour times.

Admission Rates:

Admission is FREE. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.
If you are planning to bring a tour of 10+ guests, please give us 24-48 hours advance notice by calling 757-385-5100 or emailing vbhistory@vbgov.com.
Call (757) 385-5100 or email vbhistory@vbgov.com for more information about tours.