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All Locations: Museums & Historical Places
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A Self-Guided Tour of African American History in Virginia BeachBrochure celebrating Virginia Beach's historic landmarks that showcase African Americans' craftmanship. Available in Virginia Welcome Centers, and on this link.
Link to brochure: https://www.vaaccvb.org/uploads/1/3/4/3/134313943/african_american_history_print__3_.pdfVirginia Beach, VA -
Aberdeen Gardens History MuseumThe museum celebrates the history, heritage and future of historic Aberdeen Gardens. Free admission, call to schedule a tour.
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Adam Thoroughgood HouseHistorical home built circa 1719. Tours and special events. Free admission for tours.
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African American Historical Society of PortsmouthOrganization dedicated to collecting local African history and promoting, encouraging, and coordinating original historical activities, relating to African Americans in the Portsmouth area through oral and written interviews and other research activities.
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Air Power ParkFree Museum Admission- Rockets and Aircraft within the Park. Playground.
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American Revolution Museum at YorktownLiving history museum sharing an awareness and understanding of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and the enduring legacies bequeathed to the nation. Summer History Camps available.
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Armed Forces MemorialThe Armed Forces Memorial is a 160-foot monument with 20 bronze cast letters (actual letters from members of the Armed Forces who never returned from war) scattered across the base of a flagpole.
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Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage MuseumSeasonal. Art & artifacts documenting the migratory birds that pass through this area of Eastern Virginia.
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Attucks TheatrePerformance venue and historical landmark in Norfolk.
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Barry Art Museum at ODUThe Barry Art Museum is operated by the Old Dominion University Museum Foundation, in partnership with Old Dominion University. Admission is Free. Public programs and activities are offered.
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Battle of Dam #1- Historical SiteHistoric site where five miles of evidence from the Battle of Dam #1 can still be found.
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Battle of Lee’s Mill- Historic SiteScene of the April 5, 1862 Battle of Lee's Mill.
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Cannonball TrailFollow markers through Town Point Park and Downtown Norfolk on the self-guided tour. Download map on the website link.Freemason Street Reception Center for the Cannonball Trail 401 E. Freemason St Norfolk, VA 23510757-664-6620
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Cedar Hill CemeteryHistorical site and home of The Confederate Monument. Guided lantern tours offered.
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Chesapeake Veterans MemorialMemorial dedicated to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
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Children’s Museum of VirginiaHands On Exhibits, Classes and Events. Birthday Parties and Summer Camps and Homeschool Programs.
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Chrysler MuseumArt Museum. General admission is free. Free family activities including family festivals, story time, pre-k programs, glass-blowing demonstrations and more. Homeschool Studio, Scouts events, summer camps available. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm.
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Civil War TrailsA series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.Hampton Roads, VA
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Civil War TrailsA series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.Hampton Roads, VA
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Civil War TrailsA series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.Hampton Roads, VA
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Civil War TrailsA series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.Hampton Roads, VA
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Civil War TrailsA series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.Hampton Roads, VA
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Civil War TrailsA series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.Hampton Roads, VA
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Congress & Cumberland Overlook- Historical SiteScene of the sinking of the U.S.S. Cumberland and U.S.S. Congress by the ironclad C.S.S. Virginia.26th Street & West Avenue, Christopher Newport Park Newport News, VA 23607(757) 933-2311
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d’Art Centerd'Art Center hosts art exhibitions, houses gallery and studio spaces with on-site resident artists to interact with, and provides interactive programming. The center also offers art-focused summer camp programming for ages 6-13 in June - August, and children's workshops and classes for ages 6+!
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Endview PlantationA historical home built in 1769 this house has witnessed the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Tours, exhibits, special events and programs throughout the entire year. Civil War Camps.362 Yorktown Road, Newport News Park Newport News, VA 23603(757) 887-1862
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Ferry Plantation HouseHistoric Federalist style home built in 1830. Tours of the home, special events, and summer camps available.
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First Suffolk Church SiteHistorical site of the first church in Suffolk.
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Fort Monroe Casemate MuseumFree Casement Museum Admission.
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Fort Monroe National Monument Visitor & Education CenterFor at least 400 years, the point of land known as Old Point Comfort that now includes Fort Monroe has served as the key defensive site at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Due to its historical and cultural significance, Fort Monroe was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and recognized as the Fort Monroe National Monument through an executive order signed by President Barack Obama in 2011. -
Fort NorfolkThe last remaining harbor front fort from the time of George Washington. Free admission.
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Fort WoolIsland fortress used in Civil War, WWI and WWII. It is now closed to tours and boaters.Hampton, VA
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Francis Land HouseHistorical home of a plantation owner, built circa 1805. Regular community programs and storytimes. Free events scheduled monthly.3131 Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach, VA 23452(757) 385-5100
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Glebe Episcopal ChurchHistorical landmark built in 1737.
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Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways MuseumVisitors will experience life in 18th century Virginia, learn about the water that defined the landscape, visit a Three Tun Tavern and find themselves in the middle of the Battle of Great Bridge which led Virginia on the path to independence.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm Second Sunday of Each Month 1pm – 4pm Monday and Tuesday Closed
Admission: General Admission - $8 Military (Active, Retired, Reserves) - $7 Seniors (65+) - $7 Youth (ages 6-17) - $5 Children (ages 0-5) – FREE -
Hampton CarouselAntique carousel, open for rides seasonally. Special Events available.
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Hampton History MuseumMuseum focused on the history of Hampton, Virginia. Youth and family programs. Archaeology Club. Summer Camp. Free 2nd Saturday Events.
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Hampton Roads Naval MuseumMuseum follows the extensive history of the fleet in Hampton Roads. Free Admission. Seasonal Family Programming.
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Harrison Opera HouseHistoric theater and home to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Opera.
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Hermitage Museum and GardensHistoric home with art galleries, gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Art classes, family programming, camps and more in the newly renovated Visual Arts Studio!
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Hermitage Museum and Gardens Visual Arts StudioArt classes, family programming, camps and more in the newly renovated Visual Arts Studio, which includes expanded ceramics space and a digital lab!
Upcoming Classes include: Artful Play classes (14mos to 3 years), Introduction to Clay (8-12 years), and ceramics, painting, drawing, digital photography, basket weaving, living arrangements, creativity for mental health, and monthly programs. -
Hunter House Victorian MuseumThe Hunter House Victorian Museum serves as a rich example of Victorian decorative arts and architecture. Guests are invited to meet the Hunters as they tour two floors of the home, which feature the Hunter family's collection of furniture, books, decorative objects, and more. Join us and transport yourself to the splendor and opulence of the Victorian Era! Storytime and special events for children and families are available.
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Isle of Wight County MuseumFounded in 1976, the Isle of Wight County Museum tells the story of the county through its interactive exhibits including a turn-of-the-century country store as well as displays interpreting colonial history, the Smithfield ham industry, the Blackwater River, the Civil War and the Cold War.
The museum is home to the World's Oldest Ham and the World's Oldest Peanut. -
Jamestown SettlementLiving history museum sharing an awareness and understanding of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and the enduring legacies bequeathed to the nation.
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Jerrassic ParkSee our unique collection of dinosaur sculptures at the entrance to the Virginia Beach Airport and museum property. It’s a great place to bring your kids or grandchildren if they like dinosaurs! Jerrassic Park is Free to the public! Visit Jerrassic Park and win a prize for identifying all the dinosaurs! Free to children under 6, as well as grandfathers. Puzzle prizes will be awarded for $1 to all other ages. Solve the dinosaur puzzle to claim your grand prize!
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Jewish Museum & Cultural CenterMuseum & Cultural Center honoring Jewish history in Hampton Roads. Tours by appointment.
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Lee Hall DepotThe Lee Hall Depot was constructed in the 1880s. The site is under construction, visitors can not access the inside of the depot due to construction.9 Elmhurst Street and Warwick Boulevard Newport News, VA 23603(757) 888-3371
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Lee Hall MansionOne of the last remaining antebellum homes on the Virginia Peninsula. Tours, activities and special events offered throughout the year.
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LIGHTSHIP PORTSMOUTHThis lightship turned museum is fitted out realistically and filled with artifacts, uniforms, photographs, models, and more.
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Little England ChapelFree admission to the historic chapel that includes an exhibit on African-American religion.
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Lynnhaven HouseSmall brick house, circa 1725, with period furnishings and tours.
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MacArthur MemorialMemorial to General MacArthur and the millions of American men and women who served in the US Armed Forces from the Civil War through the Korean War.MacArthur Memorial, MacArthur Square 198 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510(757) 441-2965
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Mariners’ MuseumMaritime History Museum. Youth and family programs. Homeschool Programs.
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Mermaids On ParadeBeginning at Nauticus, three separate trails take you along the Elizabeth River past Waterside, to the heart of downtown or to the Chrysler Museum while telling local history from the perspective of the 26 Mermaid statues along the trail.
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Military Aviation MuseumThe Military Aviation Museum, located at the Virginia Beach Airport, is home to one of the largest private collections of First and Second World War, and Korean War era fighters, bombers, trainers and seaplanes. Summer Camps and Special Events, Homeschool Events and Storytimes available.
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Monitor-Merrimack Overlook- Historic SiteScene of the famous Battle of the Ironclads, the C.S.S. Virginia and the U.S.S. Monitor.
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Moses Myers HouseHistoric home. Free admission and guided tours.
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Nansemond County CourthouseHistorical Courthouse built in 1840 and site of Suffolk Visitor's Center.
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NauticusThe National Maritime Center, lots of family activities and home to the Battleship Wisconsin. Summer Sailing Camps available for ages 8-11. Homeschool Programs available.
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Newport News Police MuseumThis innovative approach to community policing provides a location where citizens can inquire about crime prevention topics, as well as obtain information about other community agencies. The center is fully staffed by volunteers, making it the first such facility in Virginia. It also houses many interesting items of police memorabilia.
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Newsome House Museum & Cultural CenterThis 1899 Victorian home belonged to Joseph Thomas Newsome, a prominent Newport News attorney, journalist, and civil rights pioneer. Local programs and community events.
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Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor HouseHistoric home. Free admission and guided tours.
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Norfolk Police & Fire Rescue MuseumHistory of police force and fire rescue in Norfolk. Free admission, donations are appreciated.
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Norfolk Southern MuseumOver 180 years of railroad history. Free admission.3 Commercial Place, Ground Floor Norfolk, VA 23510
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Ocean View Station MuseumLocal museum in Ocean View, Norfolk
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Pokey Smokey IIThe Pokey Smokey II is a ride-able scale replica of the 1863 C.P. Huntington train. Rides given seasonally according to a set schedule (see website link) for a small fee.
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Poquoson MuseumOur mission is to "Preserve and Promote the History of Poquoson". Home to the Colonial Beekeepers, the York-Poquoson Master Gardeners, Poquoson Learning Garden, and the Marsh Walk & Nature trail.
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Portsmouth Art & Cultural CenterRotating visual art exhibits, lectures, classes and performances. First Friday and Saturday Activities are Free and open to the public. Summer Camps available.
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Portsmouth Naval Shipyard MuseumThis museum covers over 250 years of history surrounding America’s oldest and largest naval shipyard.
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Princess Anne County Training School Union Kempsville High School MuseumFirst African American high school in Virginia Beach.
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Railroad Museum of VirginiaLear all about the local history of trains. Birthday party options may be available.
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Riddick’s Folly House MuseumHistoric home of the Riddick Family built in 1847.
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Seaboard Station Railroad MuseumHistoric train station and museum built in 1885. Free admission (donations accepted). Birthday parties available
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Skiffe’s Creek Redoubt – Historical SiteThis site was part of the Skiffes Creek Line. It was built to defend the Confederate Mulberry Island-James River section during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.
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Southern Gun Works and MuseumMilitary souvenirs and art.
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St Johns EpiscopalHistorical site in Chuckatuck Village.
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St. John’s ChurchHistoric site. Free Museum Admission
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Suffolk Art LeagueArt exhibitions, classes and workshops for all ages. Summer art camps available.
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Suffolk-Nansemond Historical SocietyHistorical Society in the area of Suffolk, VA. Occasional historical-themed events and story times for kids.
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The Elizabeth River TrailScenic trail through areas of Norfolk with markers providing area history.Norfolk, VA
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The Hill House MuseumA four story brick home operated as a not-for-profit museum.
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The Historic de Witt Cottage & GardensA hidden "Gem" on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Built in 1895 by the first Mayor of VB, Mr. Bernard Holland for his Bride, Emily. 4,000 square feet of gardens surround the Cottage. Open to the public. Tours are available. Houses the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum.
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The Obici House1920s Art Nouveau-style mansion was built along the Nansemond River by Amedeo Obici, an Italian immigrant and founder of Planters Peanuts.Sleepy Hole Golf Course 4700 Sleepy Hole Rd Suffolk, VA 23435757-538-0336
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The Portsmouth Community Colored LibraryThe Portsmouth Community Colored Library served black patrons from 1945 until 1963, when the main library was integrated.
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Victory Arch Historic SiteA memorial to the men and women of the armed forces. Currently is used as the site of the Newport News annual Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies.
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Virginia African American Cultural CenterThe mission of the Virginia African American Cultural Center, to collect, preserve, interpret and celebrate the Commonwealth's African American history, culture and community from the early 1600s to the present, and to inform and educate the public about African American contributions and achievements in business, politics, religion, civic organizations and the Arts.
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Virginia Air & Space Science CenterHands-on aviation & space exhibits spanning 100 years of flight, more than 30 historic aircraft, space flight artifacts and a giant-screen 3D IMAX Theater. Birthday Parties available. Summer Camps.
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Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science CenterHands-on exhibits, outdoor aviary, nature trail, and marshlands. 3D IMAX® Theater. Boat trips, tours, children's programs. Birthday parties and summer camps available. Teen nature conservation programs and opportunities.
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Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue MuseumDiscover Virginia Beach history in one of the oldest buildings on the boardwalk. Exhibits cover shipwrecks, rescues, and local storms, along with boardwalk, surfing, and lifeguard history. Group tours and homeschool programs available.
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Virginia Legends WalkVirginia Legends Walk's purpose is to honor great Virginians, past and present, who have made significant contributions to our nation and the world.13th Street, between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue Virginia Beach, VA757-615-0830
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Virginia Living MuseumHands-on activities, observatory, planetarium, outdoor boardwalk, native plant and conservation gardens, and 250 living species. Birthday parties available. Summer camps. Homeschool Programs.
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Virginia MOCAThe Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art offers a variety of classes and camps for children and teens ages 2 -17. Campers exercise their imaginations and express themselves through art classes designed to challenge and inspire. Explore a wide variety of media including animation, clay, glass, painting, photography, and more! Homeschool Classes available. Preschool Art Classes available. Regularly scheduled Free Family Fest events.
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Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & MuseumSports museum with multimedia and interactive exhibits, as well as displays honoring Virginia sports stars.
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Virginia War MuseumMuseum displays documenting America's wars from 1775 to the present. Summer camps.
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Virginia Zoo in NorfolkChildren's Programs, Exotic Animal Exhibits and Themed Gardens. Birthday Parties, Scout Programs, Family-friendly events and Summer Camps available. Teen conservation and volunteer opportunities. Nature Discovery Zone playground. Sensory inclusive support available.
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Warwick Court House- Historical SiteSite of the 1810 courthouse and also the site of the recently restored 1884 Warwick Court House.
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Watermens MuseumMuseum focused on the history of the men and women of the Chesapeake Bay region. Camps, School Programs, and programs for students with special educational needs are available.
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Wells TheatreHistoric landmark and performance venue in Norfolk, home to the Virginia Stage Company
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Whitehurst-Buffington HouseThe Whitehurst-Buffington House, circa 1793, is designated as one of the 50 most historically significant structures in Virginia Beach. The Whitehurst-Buffington House is currently being restored and preserved as a living example of Virginia life in the 18th and 19th centuries and as a tribute to the Whitehurst family.
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Yorktown TrolleyFree Rides on the Yorktown Trolley - throughout the historic area, seasonally in Yorktown.
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Young’s Mill – Historic SiteThe earthworks located adjacent to this 1820 tide mill were the western anchor of Confederate Major General John B. Magruder's first line of defense during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.
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