Virginia Beach History Museums Announces September Thoroughgood House “Focus Tours”

​The Virginia Beach History Museums will conclude its summer 2022 series of free "Focus Tours" at the Thoroughgood House, 1636 Parish Rd., in September. The tours highlight unique stories relating to the historic house, the Hampton Roads region and more.

Tours run every 30 minutes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the first four Thursdays in September. See below for the Thoroughgood House Focus Tour September schedule:

Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022:

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, Sept. 8, 2022: Game Night!

Explore the games that both adults and children historically enjoyed, beginning with Native Americans and going through the colonial years in Virginia. Staff will discuss the love of gambling on everything from horses to cards, as well as the evolution of billiards. The tour will also highlight games that kept children entertained both indoors and outdoors. Guests will have a chance to try their hand at some of the more popular pastimes!

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022: Art of Dyeing

Take a look at the natural fibers used to make material in the past. Staff will explore the differences between the fabrics, and how the colonists used them. Additionally, staff will highlight the process and natural items used to create the colorful dyes of the past, and guests will be able to try paper dyeing themselves!

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022: Death and Mourning

In preparation for the Halloween season, head to the Thoroughgood House to learn about funeral practices and mourning etiquette of early Virginia. Staff will dive deep into the customs of colonial Virginians and the ways that made Virginia death-ways and funerals unique.

Admission is free, but advanced registration is encouraged. 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 include 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.