Spring Tea Events at the Historic Homes

​With spring in the air, the Virginia Beach History Museums will host two history and tea-themed events in April and May.

Saturday, April 15: Highland Spring SpecialTea
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Thoroughgood House, 1636 Parish Road

Spring in Scotland evokes the perfume of heather in the highlands, bagpipes bidding farewell to those bound for the colonies, and all things outdoors. Join us under the Thoroughgood House's replica Revolutionary Era tent for a rustic high tea in the highlands. Satisfy your inner sassenach by witnessing the ancient art of steam distillation! Watch as the scent of a rose is captured, then delight your senses with the exhilarating fragrance while you sip carefully curated teas.

Live music will also be provided by Scottish fiddler Brad Schoultz, who will liven up the social hour with expert fiddling of traditional Scottish reels and jigs, while pipers from Tidewater Pipes and Drums set the stage as you enter and exit this little spring highland retreat.

Perfumer Rebecca Suerdieck will demonstrate 18th century perfume-making techniques, with reproduction and all-natural fragrances available for sale. Virginia Beach History Museums staff will also share some Scottish connections to the colonies and information about the style of tea service and selections. Event will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are $40 per person. Visit vbmuseums.org/events for instructions on how to purchase tickets.

Thursday, May 11: Mother's Day CrafTea: The Language of Flowers
3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center, 4409 Wishart Road

Mums for Mom? Get CrafTea for Mother's Day, and join us to build your own unique teacup floral arrangement, using the Victorian language of flowers, to send to your loved one while learning the history of spring blossoms. Event is complete with a casual cream tea service and a tour of the Lynnhaven House and grounds.

This is a great workshop to attend with a mom, or to make a surprise custom arrangement for a special mom in your life ahead of Mother's Day. Sessions are 90 minutes, and guests may wish to bring an apron or smock, or dress casually to avoid stains from the materials being used. Tickets are $40 per person.

Visit this website to purchase tickets for these events. Ticket registration is through the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation ActiveNet system. If you do not already have an ActiveNet account, you will need to create your free account prior to purchasing tickets.

For the latest information about Virginia Beach History Museums events, tours and group visits, please visit vbmuseums.org. If you have any questions about these events, please call (757) 385-5100 or email vbhistory@vbgov.com.

ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT:

The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees the Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA and the ViBe Creative District, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.

ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH HISTORY MUSEUMS:

The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Thoroughgood House, Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum and are part of the City's Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. Visit www.museumsvb.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.