Virginia Beach History Museums Adding Thursday Evening Tour Hours, “Focus Tours” to the Thoroughgood House this Summer

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

Starting July 7, these tours will run every 30 minutes from 5:30-8 p.m. each Thursday throughout the summer. See below for July's Thoroughgood House Focus Tour schedule:

Thursday, July 7, 2022: Pirates and Piracy
Join the Virginia Beach History Museums for 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."

Thursday, July 14, 2022: History in Plain Sight
Learn about the history and stories of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the Thoroughgood House property in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, view the site from their perspective and discover tales of enslaved individuals who made it to freedom. There will also be a cornhusk doll-making activity for kids to enjoy.

Thursday, July 21, 2022: Indigenous Pathways
Step back in time to before the Thorowgood family lived in Virginia Beach. Prior to English contact at Jamestown in 1607, the Woodland Indians thrived in what is now modern-day Virginia. Come out and learn about Virginia's Indigenous Peoples, including their environment, customs and history. You can also handcraft your own pinch pot, which are traditional Native American clay pottery pieces.

Thursday, July 28, 2022: History of Ice Cream
Come to the Thoroughgood House for an extra sweet history tour! In celebration of national ice cream month, tours will focus on the history of ice cream, from its origins in the early centuries, historical flavors, connections to European royalty, Virginia and more! During tours, free ice cream treats will also be available for guests to enjoy.

Events in August and September will be announced closer to the beginning of each month. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required. 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 reserving tickets.

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

ABOUT THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT:

The Virginia Beach 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 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 includes the Thoroughgood House, the Francis Land House, the Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum. The Virginia Beach History Museums 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.