History Buff
Expiration: Mar 1st 2026
Attention, history enthusiasts! No trip to Coastal Virginia is complete without the History Buff Mobile Passport. Packed with insider tips, it guides you to the must-see historic sites across the region. From revolutionary landmarks and Native American heritage at the First Landing in 1607 to the rich African American history of freedom seekers, pioneers, and heroes, this passport is your ultimate ticket to explore the area's storied past. The more you do, the more prizes you may win. Simply check in at every participating location.
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Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Aberdeen Gardens Museum
Built for and by African-Americans in 1935 as part the New Deal program, the neighborhood provided modern homes to African-American workers. The museum represents an original Aberdeen Gardens dwelling.
Air Power Park
Visit this outdoor park and see the air power that played a vital part in America’s early space exploration and aircraft testing.
American Revolution Museum
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown chronicles stories of ordinary citizens and soldiers in extraordinary times during the Revolution and the shaping of a new nation through gallery exhibits and living history. https://www.jyfmuseums.org/
U.S. Army Transportation Museum
The story of the Army’s transportation corps, from horsedrawn wagons of the Revolutionary War to experimental vessels like a “flying jeep,” is all told through artifacts, images, and dioramas.
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Steps from the beach, located in the historic De Witt Cottage, visitors can view examples of the evolution of the art of decoy carving using primitive tools to the more elaborate and expressive contemporary carvings and artwork of today.
Attucks Theater
The Attucks Theatre is a historic theatre located in Norfolk, Virginia. The theatre was financed, designed and constructed by African American entrepreneurs in 1919, and was designed by Harvey Johnson, an African-American architect.
Barrier Islands Center
Learn about the history of the Barrier Islands on the seaside of the Eastern Shore, as well as the story of the old Almshouse farm.
Battle of Great Bridge
There are re-enactments of the Battle of Great Bridge on both days, Revolutionary War encampments, demonstrations, character portrayals, camp life, historical displays and lectures, skilled artisans demonstrating early American trades, and children's crafts and activities.
Cape Charles Rosenwald School
Cape Charles Elementary, “the school over the hump”, taught students grades 1-7 from 1928 to 1966. It served as an important part of local African American life for many years.
Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center
Explore the museum and learn about the history of the railroad and Cape Charles! Check out models of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, steamers, ferries, barges, and trains.
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Tour the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally funded lighthouse and first federal works project of the United States. Please visit website prior to visiting, as the Cape Henry Lighthouse is located on a military base.
Cape Henry Memorial Cross
For nearly a century, the grand Cavalier has stood sentinel over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia's most iconic hotel has welcomed ten U.S. Presidents, countless celebrities, and distinguished guests from around the world. The history within the stately architecture reveals a sense of timeless elegance and glamour and earned the Cavalier a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Now, The Cavalier has been reimagined and reinvented to bring you an experience that marries grand tradition with a warm, contemporary feel. Experience an incomparable Autograph Collection hotel in Virginia Beach.
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Casemate Museum
Housed within the brick and stone walls of Fort Monroe, the Casemate Museum chronicles the history of seacoast fortifications at Old Point Comfort.
Colonial Williamsburg Living History Museum
Experience life in 18th-century America at Colonial Williamsburg. Immerse yourself in history as you explore restored buildings, interact with knowledgeable interpreters, and witness skilled tradespeople at work.
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
Built as a school in 1918, this historic building became a cultural arts center in 2008, offering affordable classes, workshops, and concerts featuring national and local artists in its Ella Fitzgerald Theater.
Eastern Shore Railway Museum
See railway history up close at the Eastern Shore Railway Museum!
Emancipation Oak
The Emancipation Oak, site of the first public Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, is designated as one of the 10 Great Trees of the World by the National Geographic Society.
First Africans in Virginia Marker
The first documented enslaved Africans in Virginia arrived at Point Comfort (modern day Fort Monroe) in Aug. 1619.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is a sprawling 2,888-acre park in Virginia Beach that’s absolutely bursting with adventures thanks to miles of hiking and biking trails, a boat launch, and 1.5 miles of sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay.
Fort Monroe National Monument
For 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.
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
The Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center features exhibits that tell the story of the first landing of Africans in English North America and the “Contraband Decision” at Fort Monroe.
Fort Nelson Park
Tells the story of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center since it began in 1820. Signage displays early medicine, the nurse corps, Yellow Fever, Hampton Roads first high-rise building, and Naval artifacts.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is the site of an 18th-century cemetery, the 1781 Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary and one of America’s first Free Black Settlements; visit recreated cabins authentic to the period.
Gosport Park
The Underground Railroad tour shows how and where many of these carefully planned escapes unfolded, and reveals some of the courageous and clever individuals who led the way.
Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation
Situated on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway enjoy a docking pier, expansive marsh overlook and walking trails.
Hampton History Museum
Experience four centuries of national history and view how Hampton evolved as “America’s Gateway” from Native American days to the Space Age.
The Hill House Museum
The Hill House Museum, a historic home in Portsmouth, Virginia furnished entirely with family belongings from the 19th and 20th centuries, collected through generations, and left in their original places.
Historic Endview
Built in 1769, Historic Endview is a Georgian-style home and one of the last remaining colonial buildings in Newport News. Enjoy its exhibits, tours, and nature trails.
Historic Hilton Village
The first federally financed housing project, Hilton Village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It remains much as it did when it was first planned and built in 1918-1919.
Historic Jamestowne
The original site of James Fort and Jamestown, established in 1607. Explore ongoing archaeology, go on a walking tour, or visit the Archaearium Museum that tells the story of the birthplace of America.
Virginia Beach Historic Cavalier
For nearly a century, the grand Cavalier has stood sentinel over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Perched on a grassy hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia's most iconic hotel has welcomed ten U.S. Presidents, countless celebrities, and distinguished guests from around the world. The history within the stately architecture reveals a sense of timeless elegance and glamour and earned the Cavalier a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Now, The Cavalier has been reimagined and reinvented to bring you an experience that marries grand tradition with a warm, contemporary feel. Experience an incomparable Autograph Collection hotel in Virginia Beach.
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Hunter House
You are cordially invited to our Museum, where you will get the chance to expand your knowledge through our exclusive collection and optional tours. You will be exposed to new ideas and different exhibitions throughout the year, making each visit one to remember!
James A. Fields House
Visit the restored home of James A. Fields (1844-1903), an African American teacher, lawyer, and Virginia House of Delegates member. His Italianate-style house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia near Williamsburg, tells the story of America’s beginnings and convergence of Indigenous, European and African cultures through gallery exhibits and living history. https://www.jyfmuseums.org/
Jewish Museum and Cultural Center
The Jewish Museum & Cultural Center houses artifacts and exhibits that reflect the history of the Hampton Roads / Tidewater Jewish Community.
Ker Place, Home of Shore History
The federal style mansion has been home to many influential figures in American history. Learn the stories of the residents and their impact on the world around them.
Lee Hall Depot
Lee Hall Depot, built circa 1881, offers exhibits on railroad history and a restored Chessie caboose. It is the only remaining station of five on the Lower Virginia Peninsula.
Lee Hall Mansion
Lee Hall Mansion is an 1859 Italianate home that briefly served as a military headquarters during the Civil War. The tour, exhibits, and trail explore the home’s history, grounds, and occupants.
Lee's Mill Historic Park
This 4-acre park features hiking paths around the historical site of the Battle of Lee’s Mill (April 5, 1862). On this hiking path, you’ll see a combination of nature and history.
Portsmsouth Lightship Museum
This museum tells the story of the lightship, the sailors who were aboard, and the navigation of mariners through preservation, educational programs and the exhibition of the Lightship.
Yorktown & Co home of Little York Confectionery
Experience the National Park and Historic Yorktown in Style! Jump onboard our replica Stanley Steamer Wagon and enjoy a history tour or classic ride through the Battlefields and Historic Village.
MacArthur Memorial
The MacArthur Memorial is a memorial, museum, and research center about the life of General Douglas MacArthur. It consists of three buildings on MacArthur Square in Norfolk, Virginia.
Military Aviation Museum
Make your way down to Pungo for a beacon of aviation history at the renowned Military Aviation Museum. Take in the largest collection of WWI and WWII-era planes that have all incredibly been restored to flying condition.
Museum of Chincoteague Island
Home of the 1st Order Fresnel Lens from the Assateague Lighthouse, Chincoteague ponies Misty and Stormy, models of historic vessels, items from shipwrecks, a decoy carver’s workshop, and other artifacts.
Nauticus
Nauticus is uniquely located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, Virginia, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.
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Battleship Wisconsin
Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided or guided tour that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WWII.
Botanical Gardens
In 1938, 220 African Americans were paid just 25 cents an hour to create the Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG). Within a year, the Garden was a lush destination, but due to racial segregation, the workers didn’t feel welcome to enjoy the very garden they had created. NBG honors those individuals with a memorial garden and bronze sculpture titled “Breaking Ground,” inspired by photos of actual workers from the era.
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Warwick Courthouse 1884
This courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, served Warwick County until 1958 when Warwick was annexed by Newport News. Now home to the Warwick County Historical Society.
Path of History
A self-guided walking tour that links Fort Nelson Park at the Naval Medical Center to Gosport Park at the Naval Shipyard, and over 300 years of history in between.
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
This museum is a non-collecting institution, is devoted to offering quality educational, cultural and aesthetic experiences in the arts and humanities through rotating visual art exhibitions, lectures, classes and performances.
Portsmouth Community Colored Library Museum
Through exhibitions and programs, the Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum is committed to interpreting and promoting the history and significance of the Library and the African American community in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museums
This museum researches, preserves and promotes the maritime history of the City, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and the armed forces in Coastal Virginia. It offers exhibitions, lectures and educational programs.
Olde Towne Historic District
This historic seaport neighborhood holds the largest collection of period homes between Charleston, SC and Alexandria, VA. Our walkable district is the perfect blend of small-town charm and American History.
Saxis Island Museum
The Saxis Island Museum, which is set in a historically accurate 1910s store, preserves the history of their local watermen while educating visitors about the impact of the Chesapeake Bay.
Tangier Island Museum
The Tangier History Museum welcomes all to learn about the history of Tangier, the unique dialect, the island’s impact on aviation, and their role in the War of 1812.
Colonial Williamsburg Art Museum
Discover two distinct art museums: the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum featuring whimsical folk art, and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum which showcases practical yet beautiful objects.
The Mariners' Museum and Park / USS Monitor Center
A premier destination for maritime history, showcasing Civil War artifacts in the adjacent USS Monitor Center. See recovered relics, from its iconic revolving gun turret to personal items of the ship’s crew.
The Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center
See the restored 1899 Queen Anne residence of J. Thomas Newsome, a respected attorney, journalist, and civic leader who advocated for education, voter registration, and community improvement.
Adam Thoroughgood House
Visit the Thoroughgood House to hear the great success story of Adam Thoroughgood, one of Virginia’s first colonists.
Williamsburg Winery
The Duffelers transformed Wessex Hundred into Williamsburg Winery, starting in 1983 with vineyards and growing to a major operation producing over 50,000 wine cases annually. They expanded facilities, acquired vineyards, and launched a hotel. Take a tour to learn more.
Tucker Family Cemetery
The Tucker Family Cemetery is the resting place for generations of the William Tucker Family. William Tucker was the first recorded baby of African descent baptized in English North America.
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad tour shows how and where many of these carefully planned escapes unfolded, and reveals some of the courageous and clever individuals who led the way.
Virginia Air & Space Science Center
Located in Hampton, Virginia, the birthplace of America’s space program, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center features interactive aviation exhibits spanning 100 years of flight, more than 30 historic aircraft.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Coastal history is alive and thriving at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Standing proudly at 24th Street on the Boardwalk, the museum building itself is a Virginia Beach icon on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore lots of fun exhibits and a great gift shop right on the boardwalk!
Virginia Musical Museum
You will see one of the largest collections of music artifacts and memorabilia in the country. We have nickelodeons, music boxes, phonographs, band organ and a self-playing pipe organ.
Virginia War Museum
Showcases U.S. military history dating back to 1775. See Harry Truman’s WWI helmet, a section of the Berlin Wall, and a portion of the outer wall from Dachau concentration camp.
West Point Cemetery and Monuement
West Point Monument was dedicated as a special place of burial for African-American Union Civil War and Spanish American War veterans. It is one of only a few African-American Civil War Memorials located in the South.
Colonial National Historical Park
Travel the Colonial Parkway and witness the United States’ beginnings, from a 1607 English colony at Jamestown to the last major battle of the American Revolution in 1781 at Yorktown.