4.5Colonial Williamsburg(12.6k reviews) - Great day for the entire family Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Colonial Williamsburg, a 301-acre living history museum, brings travelers back in time to colonial Virginia through immersive experiences, historical reenactments, museums, and events. Prominent landmarks like the Raleigh Tavern, the Capitol, and the Governor’s Palace have been lovingly reconstructed, and travelers can walk through the entire historic area free of charge—although there are also ticketed attractions to enjoy, such as carriage rides around the historical center. Be sure to buy advance tickets to watch staged adaptations of historical events, from 'Cry Witch' to 'To Hang a Pirate'. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Historic Jamestowne(5.491 reviews) - Awesome, but expensive. Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. Living history programs and an archaeology museum tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery. The site is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.See more..
5.0Military Aviation Museum(1.405 reviews) - Nice Place to Visit Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Fun for the whole family!! The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest flying collections of World War I and World War II era military aircraft in the world. More than 80,000 guests travel from around the world to see our rare aircraft every year, especially during our major events and air shows. Come see why the Military Aviation Museum is one of the top attractions in all of Virginia Beach - rain or shine! Take a flight in an open cockpit biplane for a once in a lifetime experience, and experience the first fifty years of flight!See more..
4.5American Revolution Museum at Yorktown(1.381 reviews) - Engaging for the whole family. A must-see. Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Battlefields • History Museums
Museum where you can find all types of displays regarding the momentous events and activities during Revolutionary times.See more..
4.5White House of the Confederacy(1.262 reviews) - Very good Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and staff, masks are required & the majority of the tour will take place outside the House. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the rooms on the first floor with a trained guide and take pictures. The walkthrough will conclude in the basement with a Q&A session. The White House of the Confederacy is located in downtown Richmond's historic Court End neighborhood, just a few blocks from Capitol Square. Guided tours of Jefferson Davis' executive mansion leave from the Museum lobby throughout the day and typically last around 45 minutes. The American Civil War Museum owns and maintains the White House of the Confederacy. You can visit their other Richmond location at Historic Tredegar. The Museum of the Confederacy is no longer open. It closed September 30, 2018 as we prepare to move the collection to its new home at the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar. The new museum building will open in the spring of 2019.See more..
5.0National Museum of the Marine Corps(1.163 reviews) - Well worth your time and attention Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Admission and parking are always free.See more..
Located at Luray Caverns, this specialty museum features rare antique autos.See more..
4.5Frontier Culture Museum(723 reviews) - Interesting and informative Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The Frontier Culture Museum is the biggest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as one of the highest rated family-friendly attractions and one of the top tourist destinations in Virginia. Costumed historical interpreters show the life and customs of the indigenous Native American tribes in Virginia, the arrival of the German, English and Irish settlers along the Great Wagon Road, and the painful journey of the enslaved Africans to the first permanent British colony in North America. Visitors also get to interact with a blacksmith at an Irish Forge, woodworkers, tailors, and yarn spinners, and learn how the early settlers of America cooked and worked the land. The American journey starts here, with these early pioneers that inhabited America's First Frontier, the Blue Ridge Mountains, prior to the Westward Expansion of the 19th Century. The outdoor museum is located on 200 acres of land in Staunton, Virginia, one of the South's Best Mountain Towns.See more..
A very visible tribute to George Washington stands on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.See more..
4.5Museum of Chincoteague(550 reviews) - Small but Chock-Full of Information Thursday: History Museums
Located at the entrance of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, this museum chronicles the island's history and of the oystering and seafood business that was a major force in shaping the island's economy.See more..
4.5University Chapel & Galleries(540 reviews) - University Chapel, Art Galleries worth visiting! Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
The University Chapel of Washington and Lee University is a National Historic Landmark in Lexington, Virginia. It was constructed during 1867–68 at the request of Robert E. Lee, who was president of the school, and after whom the university is, in part, named.See more..
4.5Museum of the Shenandoah Valley(537 reviews) - Well worth the stop! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is dedicated to preserving and enriching the cultural life and heritage of the Valley. This regional history complex includes a house dating to the eighteenth century, six acres of spectacular gardens, and a 50,000-square-foot museum featuring changing exhibitions, a permanent display of miniature houses, and an expansive gallery exploring the history and decorative arts of the Shenandoah Valley. The galleries are open year-round; the house and gardens April through October. The property was passed through generations of Wood and Glass families until being acquired by Wood descendant and MSV benefactor Julian Wood Glass Jr. (1910–1992) between 1952 and 1955. Glass and his partner at the time, R. Lee Taylor (1924–2000), worked together to transform the site and its Glen Burnie House—built in 1794 by James Wood’s son Robert—into a country retreat where the couple entertained in high style.See more..
4.0Edgar Allan Poe Museum(536 reviews) - Well worth a visit Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Illustrations of the famous poem "The Raven" and numerous other artifacts surrounding the life of this great American author, the father of the psychological horror story, are housed in a series of buildings, including Richmond's oldest.See more..
4.5Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe(533 reviews) - Museum where Jefferson Davis was held prisoner Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Casemate Museum is located within the walls of the largest masonry fort constructed in the United States. The museum chronicles hundreds of years of history of Point Comfort and Fort Monroe where many decisions were made that impact the foundation and future of the United States. Housed inside the original casemates where several of the fort’s large guns remain in place, exhibits and dioramas explain the construction of the fort, what daily life was like through the ages and tell the stories of the many famous, and infamous, people who were here. The museum is open to the public Wed-Sun 10am-4pm and requires a timed-entry ticket that MUST be picked up at the Visitor & Education Center, 30 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, VA.See more..
4.5Tredegar Iron Works(496 reviews) - The Ironworks are Worth the Trip Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
I loved this museum. If you have any interest in the Civil War, you need to visit this site and take a look at the museum. The exhibits were fascinating - one was on banking and how the federal government financed the war and the other was about what the Confederacy wanted to achieve after independence. As a teacher, I found both fascinating and will be using some of the material from those exhibits in class. The curators at the museum really know their stuff. The American Civil War Museum has not only managed to preserve this historic site, but they have turned it into a fully functional education space. I mean, I was looking at objects that once belonged to Robert E. Lee. The Smithsonian would probably kill to have some of those artifacts. I only had two hours here, but I could have spent the whole day. I will be going back the next time I am in Richmond.See more..
4.0American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar(433 reviews) - A must see for Civil War buffs! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Founded in 1837, the historic Tredegar Iron Works was one of the country’s largest industrial sites before the Civil War and the largest in the Confederate States. Our new building houses the Museum’s visitor services desk, museum store, and our flagship exhibit, A People's Contest. It features hundreds of original artifacts, dynamic theater experiences, and compelling imagery. There is also a self-guided tour of the historic ironworks site and conversion of the historic Foundry Building into multiple-use space for meetings, weddings, and other events. The mission of The ACWM is to be the preeminent center for the exploration of the American Civil War and its legacies from multiple perspectives: Union and Confederate, enslaved and free African Americans, soldiers and civilians.See more..
4.5Virginia Holocaust Museum(415 reviews) - The HolocaustTime Capsule Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
Founded to educate the community about the tragedies of the Holocaust, the Virginia Holocaust Museum strives to memorialize and document the atrocities of World War II. Through exhibits, programming, and outreach, the Museum uses the history of genocide to teach the dangers of prejudice and indifference.See more..
4.5NRA National Firearms Museum(396 reviews) - Unbelievable collection Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 AM Speciality Museums • History Museums
Small museum that highlights the long history of firearms.See more..
5.0Pamplin Historical Park(357 reviews) - Common soldiers. Great History and tours Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Parks • History Museums
Featuring the engaging National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Tudor Hall Plantation, a recreated Military Encampment, and some of the best preserved earthworks in existence, this 424-acre park relives the life and times of a soldier during America's "War Between the States."See more..
4.5Military Women's Memorial(347 reviews) - Honor the women who serve(d) Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites • History Museums
Dedicated in 1997, the Women's Memorial is the only major American memorial to honor women who have served in the United States military since the American Revolution. Tucked behind the memorial is the Military Women's Memorial Education Center and museum, housing exhibits and archives telling the stories of female servicemembers throughout American history. Female veterans can register their service at the memorial to ensure their contributions are preserved for decades to come. Military Women's Memorial hosts events open to the public. Check out the MWM website (www.womensmemorial.org) for more information on current exhibits and upcoming events! The Memorial marks the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.See more..
4.5MacArthur Memorial(310 reviews) - I am glad that I went to the MacArthur Memorial. Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The MacArthur Memorial is a museum and research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the life of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The Memorial also pays tribute to the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Situated in downtown Norfolk, VA the Memorial consists of a museum, archive and research center, education center, theater, welcome center, and a gift shop. Admission is FREE.See more..
5.0Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters(305 reviews) - An incredible experience for the whole family Speciality Museums • History Museums
Season: Open Daily April 1 to October 31 BE SURE LISTING SHOWS WE ARE CLOSED FOR THE OFF SEASON. Wartime home of Stonewall Jackson in wintertime of 1861-62. Contains numerous Jacksonian items, including furniture, prayer table and desk. His well worn daily prayer book , a gift from his sister, is also on display.See more..
5.0The Birthplace of Country Music Museum(304 reviews) - Interesting Museum for Country Music Fans Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Birthplace of Country Music(R) Museum, in affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of our musical heritage. From the Bristol Sessions and beyond, our region continues to influence music around the world. The 24,000 square foot facility, located at 520 Birthplace of Country Music(R) Way in Historic Downtown Bristol, houses 12,000 square feet of exhibit space, a rotating exhibit gallery, music mixing and listening stations, multiple theater experiences, and interactive, technology-infused media.BCMM also hosts live, year-round performances and educational programming. The museum is a must see for visitors seeking comprehensive knowledge of the music of our region and Bristol's important role in the evolution of recorded music history.See more..
5.0Bedford Boys Tribute Center(274 reviews) - Honoring the men to become known as the Bedford Boys Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Located in historic Green's Drug Store downtown Bedford,this non-profit museum is dedicated to the legacies of the 38 Bedford Boys and the 19 KIA who spearheaded the Normandy invasion June 6, 1944.You will learn from the informative guided tour about the Bedford Boys you wish you knew.See more..
4.5Agecroft Hall & Gardens(270 reviews) - Fascinating manor and grounds! Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens • History Museums
Agecroft Hall & Gardens is a 16th century English manor house. It was was taken apart, shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled in Virginia in the 1920s. Today Agecroft Hall is open year round for guided tours, special events, educational programs, concerts, and is home of The Richmond Shakespeare Festival.See more..
4.5Gadsby's Tavern Museum(267 reviews) - Interesting museum Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
Discover Alexandria’s five-star hotel of the 18th century! Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of the c. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. The buildings were constructed by John Wise, but made famous by John Gadsby. Mr. Gadsby’s establishment was the center of political, business, and social life in Alexandria and hosted the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Today the Museum offers tours, programs and special events.See more..
4.5Virginia Museum of History & Culture(266 reviews) - Two Hours Is Not Enough Time - Count on Three Hours Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
A history museum and research library, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture has been connecting people to America's past through the unparalleled story of Virginia for more than 180 years. T Visit today to view our award winning exhibitions that are entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. We are the only museum with all of Virginia's history under one roof — all centuries, all regions, and all topics are covered. Although designated the Official State Historical Society, we are a privately funded non-profit organization that relies on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to sustain its operations. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is located at 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220 in Richmond's Museum District. Currently Closed for Construction: Regular hours resume July 1. Galleries and museum shop open every day: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Library open Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.See more..
4.5The Rising Sun Tavern(247 reviews) - 1760 home of Charles Washington Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
While not serving food or drink since 1827, the Rising Sun Tavern Museum provides a lively interpretation of late 18th-century Tavern life. Charles Washington, George Washington's youngest brother, built this landmark in the 1760's as his private residence. After being sold outside the Washington family, the building was leased as a tavern in 1792. Operating as a stopover for travelers for 35 years in the bustling town of Fredericksburg, it was a popular diversion for travelers and locals alike. Today, costumed guides entertain visitors as though they have just stepped off their coaches into the late 18th-century life. See how bygone visitors slept, learn what they ate and drank, and immerse yourself in the now eccentric customs of historic travel and lodgings. The original 18th-century structure contains period furniture and artifacts.See more..
4.5Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House(241 reviews) - Pope-Leighey House a true gem! Thursday: Historic Sites • History Museums
Woodlawn Estate and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey House are two iconic architectural sites of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, located on the same property in historic Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington D.C. Our Federal Georgian Mansion, built in 1805 for Nelly Parke Custis Lewis and Lawrence Lewis and our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian House, built in 1940 and moved to our property in the 60's both sit in a beautiful landscape. Visitors are encouraged to explore the contrasting architectural and historical stories of these two masterpiece homes, set in glorious landscape. Our site is also home to the non-profit farm, Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. We host extraordinary catered celebrations in our luxury event space with exclusive partner, Design Cuisine. Do come and visit us!See more..
4.5Stratford Hall(224 reviews) - Excellent representation of a period home. Well worth the admission. Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Come visit Stratford Hall, home of the Lees of Virginia. Tour the Great House with one of our knowledgeable guides or tour at your own pace with a self-guided tour. After you've viewed the Great House take a stroll around our beautiful property. Explore the beaches, cliffs, hiking trails, mill and more. Come stay a night in one of our guest houses. Winter Hours: January 2 – March 15, 2023 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesdays – Thursdays: Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Historic Outbuildings, and Grounds open; Great House closed for tours. Fridays – Mondays: Great House, Visitor Center, Gift Shop, and Grounds openSee more..
Built by George Washington's sister, Betty Washington Lewis, and her husband, Fielding Lewis, this beautiful, Georgian-style, eighteenth-century brick mansion reflects the pre-Revolutionary-War wealth and status of the Fredericksburg merchant.See more..
This 18th-century building restored as the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop presents a vivid living history interpretation of Revolutionary-era medical practices. Leeches, lancets, and snakeroot are all found in this 18th-century doctor's office and pharmacy. Visitors can hear about the popular treatment of the day for a lady's hysteria or a medicine so potent that it would, according to one wealthy plantation owner "cheer a man with a bad wife." The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop is one of the Washington Heritage Museums and is within short walking distance of its other sites: the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James' House. Please allow 45 minutes for your visit.See more..
4.5Tank Museum(203 reviews) - 3 old tankers give this museum an enthusiastic thumbs up!!!!! Thursday: Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
Journey thru Military History at the most extensive collection of International Tank and Cavalry artifacts found anywhere in the world. Prepare yourself for an awesome adventure for both young and old alike. 119 Tanks and Artillery, plus uniforms, headgear and much much more dating from 1509 to present.See more..
4.5Mary Washington House(194 reviews) - Excellent tour but wish interior pictures were allowed Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
In 1772, George Washington purchased a house in Fredericksburg, Virginia for his mother, Mary Ball Washington. She spent her last seventeen years in this comfortable home. The white frame house sites on the corner of Charles and Lewis Streets and was within walking distance of Kenmore, the home of Mary's daughter, Betty Washington Lewis. Tradition has it that, during the Revolution, General Lafayette found Mrs. Washington in her garden. As the President-to-be, George Washington came to this home to receive his mother's blessing before attending his inauguration in 1789.See more..
4.5The Exchange Hotel Civil War medical Museum(189 reviews) - Great family historical stop! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Welcome to the Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum. Before the Civil War, the Exchange Hotel with its high ceiling parlors and grand veranda welcomed passengers from the two rail lines: the Virginia Central Railroad and the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Soon after the completion of the hotel, the Civil War began. Troops, supplies, and wounded were transported on these railroads to Gordonsville. The Exchange Hotel became the Gordonsville Receiving Hospital which provided care for 70,000 soldiers, both Confederate and Union. In the reconstruction period, this hospital served the newly freed slaves as a Freedman's Bureau Hospital. As the United States healed and the railroads boomed, this graceful building returned to its role of hotel. Now fully restored, the hotel is a museum dedicated to the Civil War era.See more..
4.5George Mason's Gunston Hall(144 reviews) - Colonial history and outdoor adventure in a lovely setting Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Explore George Mason’s nation-shaping ideas at The Home of American Rights. Learn what motivated him to craft the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights and how his ideas inspired the nation. Tour the historic Mason-family home, hike scenic trails to the Potomac River, and discover George Mason's lasting legacy.See more..
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens, formerly home to the Sloane family, is an early 20th century Arts-and-Crafts estate located on the shore of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. Featuring a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, the Hermitage is home to the arts. Contemporary exhibition galleries, a Visual Arts Studio, working artist studios, and 12 acres of gardens and grounds offer art and culture to the community, as envisioned by the Sloanes.See more..
4.5The Valentine(141 reviews) - Very Nice Visit Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
For more than a century, the Valentine has celebrated one of America's most historic cities with exhibitions, educational programs,city tours, extensive collections and archives, and the restoration of the 1812 Wickham House. Enjoy lunch in the Valentine Garden (Monday-Friday) and shop at the Museum Store (open daily).See more..
5.0George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor(132 reviews) - The Other Guy Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor is situated on 3.8 acres of gardens on the eastern end of Leesburg's Old and Historic District. The site is designated a National Historic Landmark as the residence of General George C. Marshall from 1941 until 1959. During his residency in the home, General Marshall served our nation as Chief of Staff of the Army, as Special Envoy to China, as Secretary of State, as President of the American Red Cross, and as Secretary of Defense. His career as a military officer spanned 44 years, including distinguished service in two world wars. General Marshall was the architect of the European Recovery Plan (The Marshall Plan), and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. General Marshall was described as the "Greatest American of the twentieth century" by both Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. More than 90 percent of the items in the house belonged to the Marshalls when they lived here in the 1950s.See more..
4.5Point of Honor(124 reviews) - Enjoyed our visit Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Point of Honor is a former plantation located in what is now the historic Daniel’s Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg. The refined Federal-style main house was built in 1815 for the Cabell family. It has been carefully restored and is now a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The property was once 740 acres and home to a large enslaved community that lived and worked there for nearly a century from 1775 and 1865. Today the 4-acre historic site includes a house museum, kitchen dependency, gardens, and visitors center, all with striking views of Downtown Lynchburg and the James River.See more..
4.0Washington's Office Museum(124 reviews) - Very Enjoyable Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
This is a very small museum and while there is only thing directly attached to Washington ( A lock of his hair ) the rest of the museum gives a very detailed insight into Washington as a very young man while living in Winchester. Our guide was very friendly and informative and the hour that we spent was well worth it. On Note Of Information. If you wish to save some money, you may purchase a combo ticket that will let you visit Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters as well.See more..
4.5James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library(124 reviews) - Nice timeline and many artifacts of the Monroes Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Libraries • History Museums
Admission included with Day Pass. Restrooms on site. Street parking. Wonderful history stop to learn or enhance your knowledge about James Monroe, our 5th President (1817-1825). Enjoyed seeing all the personal artifacts of the Monroes. James Monroe is best known for establishing the foreign policy principle that came to bear his name, the Monroe Doctrine. And in 1817, the American Colonization Society, formed with the goal of returning freed slaves to Africa and purchased land from Upper Guinea in West Africa for the colony. In 1821 a ship carrying some of these settlers landed. In 1822 a second ship was sent to this modern day Liberia. In 1824, the city was renamed to Monrovia in honour of President James Monroe. President Monroe was a prominent supporter of the colony and in the concept of sending freed slaves to Liberia.See more..
4.5Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum(113 reviews) - A local treasure with national importance Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The First Lady's birthplace museum at her childhood home speaks to the life of one of the most influential, controversial, and politically significant women of the 20th Century. Edith Bolling [Galt] Wilson was not only the First Lady of President Woodrow Wilson, but was also a descendant of Pocahontas, and related to Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, J.E.B. Stuart, and Robert E. Lee. The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum houses artifacts, furniture, books, letters, photographs, and documents owned by Mrs. Wilson or donated by family members and friends. The second floor Bolling home is located above the Museum. While many historians have referred to Mrs. Wilson as "The Secret President" because of her role in our country's history during President Wilson's debilitating stroke in 1919, there is much more to this story. Please visit to learn more about First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, from her birth and her incredible journey from Wytheville to the White House and beyond.See more..
4.5Smith's Fort Plantation(105 reviews) - Great history Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Smith's Fort Plantation is nestled on the south side of the James River, located on the site of Captain John Smith's planned "New Fort", on the land given by Chief Powhatan as a dowry for his daughter Pocahontas upon her marriage to John Rolfe. The 18th century manor house retains much of its original woodwork and provides examples of early American and English period furnishings from the late 16th through the early 18th centuries. Built sometime between 1751 and 1765, this story-and-a-half Flemish bond brick house was home to Jacob Faulcon and his family. The name "Smith's Fort Plantation" comes from the fact that John Smith began construction of a second fort on this site in 1608. Smith's Fort offered a strategic location for a retreat fort away from the original settlement, but construction was abandoned early due to starving conditions at the first fort and conflicts with the local Native American tribe. A few years later after the successful union of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, the bride's father, Wahunsenacawh, was the paramount chief of Tsenacommacah (In 1607, the English colonists were introduced to Wahunsenacawh as Powhatan and understood this latter name to come from Powhatan's hometown near the falls of the James River near present-day Richmond, Virginia.), Gave his new son-in-law a grant of this land as a dowry gift. Although the couple never lived on site, their only son, Thomas Rolfe, later returned to Virginia and opened a tobacco plantation on over 400 acres of the property.See more..
4.5Isle of Wight County Museum(102 reviews) - Wealth of Area Information Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums
Museum chronicles the history of the Isle of Wight County with a special emphasis on water, ham and agricultural industries. The exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and Colonial artifacts, a turn-of-the-century country store, displays interpreting the Smithfield ham industry and perhaps the museum’s most notable artifact: the world’s oldest, edible cured ham.See more..
Patrick Henry's Red Hill is the last home and burial place of Virginia's first elected governor, Patrick Henry. Red Hill is the National Memorial for Patrick Henry and his life and home. Exhibiting Patrick Henry’s restored artwork, buildings, and the nationally ranked Osage orange tree, Red Hill offers tours, special events and school outreach programs.See more..
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only museum dedicated to Indigenous Australian art in the United State and the most significant collection of its kind outside of Australia. We attract visitors from around the globe who are inspired to discover that Indigenous Australian art is remarkably contemporary, incredibly diverse, sophisticated beyond measure, and constantly changing and innovating. Because we maintain close relationships with Indigenous artists and communities, we feature their voices prominently and you’ll feel like you’re hearing directly from Indigenous artists about their art and culture. A free 20-30 minute tour is offered daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. How have Indigenous Australians shared their art with the world? How did their art change the face of global contemporary art? What kind of a relationship to Indigenous artists have with their land? How do their beliefs inform their art? How has their art been used as a tool for social and racial justice?See more..
Please note that the days and hours of operation listed on Tripadvisor reflect the museum's normal operating schedule. The museum is also closed on some holidays and for some special events. Please be sure to confirm hours of operation by visiting the Virginia Museum of Natural History's website before traveling to the museum. We look forward to seeing you here at VMNH!See more..
5.0James Madison Museum(82 reviews) - A MUST "DO" !! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
A presidential and cultural museum that features the Presidents Room, Black History Exhibit Room, a small gallery and a Temporary Exhibit Room. In the Presidents Room you will enjoy artifacts of Madison, Jefferson, Monroe and Z. Taylor. The Black History Room has 3 themes (Forgotten Patriots, Atlantic Slave Trade and Post-Emancipation). The biggest surprise for nearly every visitor is the large Hall of Agriculture and Transportation. In this large wing sits a 1730's house originally built for Gov. Alexander Spotswood for a tenant farm in Orange; a 1924 Model T and horse-drawn conveyances as well as a myriad of farm implements and items used during pre-mechanized farm life. Groups are welcome.See more..
This is a gem of a stop. They are restoring historical railway engines and cars, the museum is filled with train memorabilia and one can learn about local and national history due to the railroads. The gift shop is really amazing, the staff are friendly and helpful and the cost is minimal. What else? Also easy to find on the main road in downtown.See more..
