MUSEUMS AND SITES

THESE HISTORIC LOCATIONS TEACH VISITORS AND LOCALS ALIKE ABOUT THE REGION’S SIGNIFICANCE

From the earliest settlers to the first space explorers, Hampton Roads history museums and historic sites tell the 400-year-long story of our region’s continuous importance.

History museums

1. Air Power Park. Vintage military jets, missiles, rockets and children’s playground. Indoor exhibits, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Outdoor park, sunrise-sunset daily. Free. 413 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton. 727-8311. bit.ly/21i7Raw

2. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Exhibits explore the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Yorktown while living history displays recreate a Continental Army encampment and 1780s Tidewater farm. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (Aug. 16-Jun. 14) and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (June 15-Aug.15). $15 adult, $7.50 children 6-12. Free for residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg. 200 Water St. (Route 1020) near the Colonial Parkway, York County. historyisfun.org/yorktown-victory-center. 888-593-4682

3. Archaearium. Showcases artifacts from historic James Fort. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Included in admission to Colonial National Historical Park. $14 adults, free for children 15 and under. Western end of Colonial Parkway, James City County. historicjamestowne.org/visit. 757-856-1250 or 757-229-4997 ext. 100

4. Casemate Museum. The story of America’s largest stone fort and such figures as Robert E. Lee, Edgar Allan Poe, Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily May-September. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday daily October-April. Free. 20 Bernard Road, Fort Monroe, Hampton. fmauthority.com/visit/casemate-museum. 788-3391

5. Chippokes Plantation/Farm and Forestry Museum. Antebellum plantation set on a working farm. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with reduced winter hours. Free, but $5 parking fee. 294-3439. 868 Plantation Road, Surry. dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/chf

6. Colonial Williamsburg. World’s largest living history museum explores the history of Virginia’s 18th-century capital. Open daily. Exhibit building tickets start at $40.99 adults, $20.49 children 6-12. Visitor Center on Route 132Y, off Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg. 229-1000. colonialwilliamsburg.com

7. Gloucester Museum of History. Bacon’s Rebellion, botanist John Clayton and the county’s role in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Free. Botetourt Building, 6539 Main St., Gloucester Court House. 804-693-1234. bit.ly/1SNQCuq

8. Gwynn’s Island Museum. Artifacts showcase maritime history. Route 633, Gwynn’s Island, Mathews County. 1-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday April-October. Free. 804-725-5022. gwynnsislandmuseum.org

9. Hampton History Museum. Story of America’s oldest continuous English-speaking settlement. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $5 adults, $4 children 4-12. 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. 727-1610. hamptonhistorymuseum.org

10. Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Explores landmark naval history of Hampton Roads. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Located on second floor of Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. 322-2987. hrnm.navy.mil

11. Isle of Wight County Museum. 1913 bank building houses a country-store exhibit, Native American artifacts, War Memorial Gallery. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. $2 adults. 103 Main St., Smithfield.

757-356-1223. historicisleofwight.com

12. Jamestown Settlement. Tells the story of America’s first permanent English settlement. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (with extended summer hours). $17 adults, $8 children 6-12. 2110 Jamestown Road (Route 31 S) near the Colonial Parkway, James City County. 253-4838. historyisfun.org/Jamestown-Settlement

13. Lightship Portsmouth Museum. 1915 lightship features re-created crew’s quarters fitted out with artifacts, uniforms, photographs and ship models. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday March 6Memorial Day. Admission is by donation while the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum at 2 High St. is closed for renovation. Water and London streets, Portsmouth. 393-8591. portsmouthnavalshipyardmuseum.com/lightship

14. MacArthur Memorial. Memorabilia recounts career of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. 198 Bank St., Norfolk. 441-2965. macarthurmemorial.org

15. Middlesex County Museum. Virginia’s oldest county museum displays Native American artifacts, military items and more related to Middlesex history. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Free. 777 General Puller Highway, Saluda. 804-758-3663. middlesexmuseum.com

16. Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby

Baylor House. 1794 house shows off art and artifacts related to the history of one of America's original heritage port cities. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. 601 E. Freemason St., Norfolk. 441-1526. bit.ly/1SNQPOk

17. Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Station. Reopened with a new slate of artifacts and exhibits exploring the coast history of the region, including stories about the Life-Saving Service, Virginia shipwrecks and the World War II Battle of the Atlantic. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday with reduced winter hours. $8 adults, $5 children 6-15. 24th Street and Boardwalk, Virginia Beach. vbsurfrescuemuseum.org. 422-1587

18. The Mariners’ Museum. World-class collection of maritime artifacts, including gun turret and artifacts from Civil War ironclad USS Monitor. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $1. 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. 596-2222. marinersmuseum.org

19. U.S. Army Transportation Museum. Historic vehicles from 1700s to present. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free. Besson Hall, 300 Washington Blvd., Fort Eustis, Newport News. 878-1115.

20. Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Honors state’s contributions to sports history. Formerly located in Portsmouth but moved in 2018 to Virginia Beach. 757800-1555. vasportshof.com.

21. Virginia War Museum. One of the nation’s largest collections of military artifacts, uniforms, weapons and documents. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $8 adults, $6 children 7-18. 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 247-8523. warmuseum.org

22. Watermen’s Museum. Vintage artifacts, photographs and models recount the story of Virginia’s working watermen. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April-December. $5 adults, free for children under 12. 309 Water St., Yorktown. 887-2641. watermens.org

23. York County Historical Museum. Self-guided tours explore historic town’s past. Tuesday-Sunday (hours vary, call to confirm). Free. Lower level of York Hall, 301 Main St., Yorktown. 898-4910.

yorkcounty.gov/ychm

Historic sites

24. Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum. Restored 1930s home depicts life in historic New Deal housing project built by blacks for black residents. Open by appointment. 57 N. Mary Peake Blvd., Hampton. 722-2345. aberdeengardens.org

25. Bacon’s Castle. Built in 1665, the oldest documented brick house in English North America was the site of Nathaniel Bacon’s 1676 rebellion against English rule. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, March through December. Also open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays during summer. Closed during the winter. $10 adults, $7 students, children under 6 free. 465 Bacon’s Castle Trail, off Highway 10, Surry. 357-5976. bit.ly/1en0mLp

26. Boykin’s Tavern. This historic 1762 courthouse tavern was the long-time center of Isle of Wight County life. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and by appointment Saturdays. Free. Guided tours $5. 17146 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight. 357-5182. historicisleofwight.com/boykins-tavern.html

27. The Civil War at Endview. 1700s house used as a Civil War hospital. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Monday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday, January through March. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday, Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April through December. $8 adults, $6 children 7-18. 362 Yorktown Road, Newport News. 887-1862. endview.org

28. Fort Boykin Historic Park. Originally constructed in 1623 and expanded during the Civil War, earthwork includes a walking history and garden tour and picnic area. 8 a.m. to dusk daily. Free. 7410 Fort Boykin Trail, Isle of Wight. 357-2291. historicisleofwight.com/fort-boykin.html

29. Historic Fort Huger. Restored Civil War fort overlooking the James River. Established to block the approach from Richmond by land and sea. Self-guided walking tours. Open from dawn to dusk daily. Route 10 at 15080 Talcott Terrace, Isle of Wight County. 757-357-2291. historicisleofwight.com/fort-huger.html

30. Historic Jamestowne. Site of the New World’s first permanent English-speaking settlement includes old Jamestown Church, National Park Service Visitor Center and archaeological museum. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Included in admission to Colonial National Historical Park ($14 adults, children 15 and younger are free). Western end of Colonial Parkway, James City County. 856-1250. historicjamestowne.org

31. Hunter House Victorian Museum.

Changing interpretive exhibits and tours explore the Victorian period in this landmark 1894 structure. Tours 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday (April-December). $5 adults, $1 children 6-18. 240 W. Freemason St., Norfolk. 623-9814. hunterhousemuseum.org

32. James River Plantations. Colonialperiod plantation houses, plus other structures

of note. 804-829-2480. jamesriverplantations.org. Including:

Shirley. The oldest continuous familyowned business and farm in North America dates to 1638. Open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $12.50 adults, $7.50 children 7-16. 501 Shirley Plantation Road, Charles City. 804-829-5121. shirleyplantation.com

Berkeley. Historic 1726 mansion was the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the United States. Colonists celebrated the first official Thanksgiving here in 1619. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily March through December, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily January-February. $12 adults, $7 children 6-12. 12602 Harrison Landing Road, Charles City. 888-466-6018. berkeleyplantation.com

Sherwood Forest. Home of President John Tyler, Sherwood Forest is the longest frame dwelling in America and is still owned by Tyler’s descendants. Historic gardens date to mid-1800s. Grounds open daily. $10 adults, children 15 and under free. House tours by appointment. $35 adults, $25 children. 14501 John Tyler Memorial Highway, (Route 5), Charles City. 804-829-5377. sherwoodforest.org

Westover. This premier American example of Georgian architecture was completed by famed Virginia planter, scholar and author William Byrd II around 1730. Grounds open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $5 adults, $2 children 7-16, children under 6 free. Group tours of the interior available on request, $25 per person. 7000 Westover Road, Charles City. 804-8292882. westover-plantation.com

33. Lee Hall Mansion. Circa 1850 Italianate mansion served as Confederate headquarters during 1862 Siege of the Peninsula. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $8 adults, $6 children 7-18. 163 Yorktown Road, Newport News. 888-3371. leehall.org

34. Moore House. Site of negotiations that led to British surrender in the 1781 Battle of Yorktown. Call for hours. Admission included in Colonial National Historical Park ticket. $14 adults, children 15 and under free. Moore Lane and Hamilton Road, off Highway 238, Yorktown. 898-2410. bit.ly/1pLMTmH

35. Moses Myers House. Federal dwelling provides picture of a prosperous Jewish family’s life in post-Revolutionary War Norfolk. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. 323 E. Freemason St., Norfolk. 333-1087. bit.ly/2oK357I

36. Nelson House. Restored home of Revolutionary War patriot Thomas Nelson. Call for hours. Admission included in Colonial National Historical Park ticket. $14 adults, children 15 and under free. Main Street, Yorktown. 898-2410. bit.ly/2q8LQli

37. Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center. Restored 1899 home of prominent black attorney and newspaper publisher J. Thomas Newsome. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. $2 donation suggested. 2803 Oak Ave., Newport News. 247-2360. newsomehouse.org

38. Old Courthouse of 1750. Restored brick structure is one of only four surviving arcaded court buildings from Colonial Virginia. 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday and

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March through December. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FridaySaturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, February. Free. 130 Main Street, Smithfield. 757-357-5182. bit.ly/2pAnOj8

39. Poor Potter Archaeological Site.

Archaeological remains of the William Rogers pottery factory believed to be the largest known enterprise of its type in Colonial America. Call for hours. Admission included in Colonial National Historical Park ticket. $14 adults, children 15 and under free. Read Street, Yorktown. 898-2410. bit.ly/2pje224

40. Riddick’s Folly. Restored 1837 Greek Revival house features permanent exhibits on Gov. Mills E. Godwin Jr. and Suffolk peanut industry. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $7 adults, $3 children 6-18. 510 N. Main St., Suffolk. 934-0822. riddicksfolly.org

41. Rosewell. Imposing brick ruins of Colonial America’s grandest mansion, built in 1725, plus visitor center exhibits and archaeology lab. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults, free for children under 6. 5113 Old Rosewell Lane, near Route 644, Gloucester. 804-693-2585. rosewell.org

42. St. John’s Church. Historic 1728 church houses America’s oldest continuous English-speaking parish, founded in 1610.

Open by request. 100 W. Queens Way, Hampton. 722-2567. stjohnshampton.org

43. St. Luke’s Church. Oldest surviving church building in America dates to 1600s. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m.

Sunday with reduced winter hours. $8 adults, students $5, children under 6 are free. 14477 Benns Church Blvd., Isle of Wight. 357-3367. historicstlukes.org

44. Smith’s Fort Plantation. 1700s brick house with original woodwork built on land given to John Rolfe as a dowry gift for his marriage to Pocahontas. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday with reduced winter hours. $10 adults, $7 students, free for children under 6. 217 Smith Fort Lane (off Highway 31), Surry. 2943872. bit.ly/2pYvuKB

45. Seaboard Station Railroad Museum.

Restored 1885 train station features large circa 1907 model railroad display. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Free. Suggested donation: $2 adults, $1 children 12 and under. 326 N. Main St., Suffolk. 923-4750. suffolktrainstation.org

46. Yorktown Battlefield. Site of the historic 1781 siege that ended the Revolutionary War. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission included in the Colonial National Historical Park ticket, $14 adults, children 15 and younger free. Eastern end of Colonial Parkway, Yorktown. 898-2410. nps.gov/york

47. Yorktown Custom House. Historic brick warehouse is believed to be America’s oldest surviving custom house. 1-4 p.m. Sunday between Memorial Day and Oct. 19. Free. 410 Main St., Yorktown. 898-7789. bit.ly/1rlZMoX