The Francis Land House in Virginia Beach reopens with a free Community Day, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16.
The historic home, which dates to about 1800, has been closed since 2019 for major repairs and restoration.
Sunday's event features demonstrations of early 19th-century Virginia life, including artisanal demonstrations, hearth cooking and music. Visitors will also be able to experiment with augmented reality technology and virtually interact with the home and grounds.
“The reopening of the Francis Land House marks a meaningful moment for Virginia Beach,” said Emily Spruill Labows, director of the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, in a news release. “This beloved landmark connects us to the city’s early stories while opening new opportunities for reflection, learning and community connection.”
New exhibits feature historical periods, including Prohibition, World War II and the time when the house served as the Rose Hall Dress Shop. They will also highlight artifacts discovered during the restoration and honor the enslaved persons who worked on the property and the Indigenous peoples who first owned the land.
The house is located at 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd. Register for free tickets at Culture.VirginiaBeach.gov/Events. Walk-ups are welcome but parking is limited for the event.