Airmen, Ice Cream, Pirates and More: Find It All at a Virginia Beach History Museum

Virginia Beach History Museums (VBHM) offers a full slate of new and returning summer programs for history buffs, families and anyone interested in exploring Virginia Beach and its unique stories. 

Events and Activities

First Free Saturday Community Days 
Find free family fun, 10 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month at the Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd. Enjoy themed crafts, activities and story times based on the history of Virginia Beach and the wider world.

• Tuskegee Airmen, Aug. 1: In World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen were a segregated group of African American military pilots and support staff. They were known for their bravery and aerial prowess. Did you know that a couple of them called Virginia Beach home? Come learn about these flying warriors and build your own P-51 Mustang fighter plane. 
• Old Francis Land Had a Farm, Sept. 5: For much of its life, the Francis Land House was the center of a large plantation growing a variety of crops including flax for making linen fabric. Later, it was a dairy farm raising cows to give milk. Come learn a little about the process of making cloth from a plant and getting milk from a cow. Make a seed bomb to grow a little something in your own backyard.  

Thoroughgood House Focus Tours 
While daily tours of the Thoroughgood House, 1636 Parish Road, offer an overview of life on the Thoroughgood property, summer Focus Tours dive deeper into specific historical areas. Enjoy tours on everything from the history of ice cream to pirates and more, 5:30-7 p.m. each Thursday (except July 30), now through Aug. 27.  

Tickets are $5 per person; children 2 and under are admitted for free. Visit the online calendar to purchase tickets and find details for upcoming tours.

Free History Museum Tours 
All history museums offer free tours. Please register online or at the door. For groups of 10 or more, please notify museum staff 24-48 hours in advance to ensure the best experience: email vbhistory@vbgov.com or call 757-385-5100. 

• The Francis Land House and Thoroughgood House are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.
• Lynnhaven House, 4409 Wishart Road, opens at noon on the third Thursday of each month for preservation tours.
• Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (inside the Renaissance Academy, 5100 Cleveland St.) is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

For more details about VBHM events, tours and group visits, visit VBMuseums.org. If you have questions, please call 757-385-5100 or email vbhistory@vbgov.com.  

• Cultural Affairs Events