Pirates, Plants, Mystery and More!

Have you ever wanted to take a deeper dive into local lore? Join the Virginia Beach History Museums for a series of free “Focus Tours” at the Thoroughgood House, 1636 Parish Road, this summer and hear the unique stories relating to the house, the Hampton Roads region and more.  

Starting June 5, tours will run every 30 minutes from 5:30-7 p.m. each Thursday through Sept. 4, except on June 19, the Juneteenth holiday. Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. Here’s a quick peek at the first four Focus Tours: 

Pirates and Piracy
June 5, 5:30-7 p.m., Thoroughgood House

Enjoy a swashbuckling adventure through the history of pirates and piracy! Tours will highlight the history of Dutch, English, Spanish and French pirates, and their involvement with the Virginia Colony and early America, during the "golden age" of piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Thoroughgood House will also have a scavenger hunt for you to plunder your own pirate “booty.” 

History in Plain Sight 
June 12, 5:30-7 p.m., Thoroughgood House

Learn about the history and stories of enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the Thoroughgood House property in the 18th and 19th centuries, view the site from their perspective and discover tales of enslaved individuals who made it to freedom. Kids can enjoy a cornhusk doll-making activity. 

Herb Your Enthusiasm 
June 26, 5:30-7 p.m., Thoroughgood House

The Virginia Beach History Museums’ historic homes all have gardens, including several types of herbs (such as rosemary, dill, sage and lemon balm). Homeopathic medicines have been used for centuries and have gained popularity. Learn more about the healing, medicinal and culinary uses of herbs, and why they are such a “big dill” in Hampton Roads history. 

Colonial Clue: VA 250th Edition 
July 3, 5:30-7 p.m., Thoroughgood House

A crime has been committed! A body was found at the Thoroughgood House. It’s up to you to travel through the house and interrogate suspects to figure out who did it, where it occurred, and with what weapon. Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by solving this mystery. Those who correctly deduce the solution will win a prize. 

View the full schedule of Focus Tours, and register for each event, on the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department’s ticket website. Suggested donation is $5 per person. Donations help support Virginia Beach History Museums sites and programming.  

For the latest information about Virginia Beach History Museums events and tours, please visit VBMuseums.org. For additional tour questions, call 757-385-5100 or email vbhistory@vbgov.com. 

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