Living History Museums in Virginia

Making history interesting to children has been a goal in parenting, as my husband is not only a history enthusiast, but also an educator.

Throughout the years, we have visited several museums, historical landmarks and sites, but the best way to engage our children in learning about history has been living history museums.

Being able to pose questions to interpreters, and experience a piece of daily life from a historical time period is the kind of hands-on learning that is memorable.

Fortunately, for Richmonders, we do not have to travel far to experience these historical settings. Here are a few to visit; make it a family field trip!

Photo caption: Henricus Historical Park / Facebook

1. Henricus Historical Park:

The closest in proximity to Richmond, Henricus takes visitors back to the 1600s. Our children especially loved learning about Pocahontas’s role at Henricus, and her conversion to the Anglican faith.

Henricus recreates the first hospital in English North America, daily life over 400 years ago, including blacksmithing!

2. Colonial Williamsburg:

Governor’s Palace at Colonial Williamsburg. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Known as the world’s largest living history museum, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg merits an entire day, for there are streets upon streets to visit, with interpreters at every turn.

Over 301 historic acres that include taverns, art museums, gardens, Governor’s Palace, homes and beyond, makes Colonial Williamsburg a unique experience.

From visiting the Carpenter’s Yard to the Apothecary, the 17th century comes alive in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The skating rink at Colonial Williamsburg is open through February 2022.

3. Jamestown Settlement:

Observing and interacting with nterpreters at the Jamestown Settlement. is a great opportunity for hands-on learning. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

Telling the story of America’s first permanent English colony through galleries, outdoor living history and film, families are sure to enjoy a trip to Jamestown Settlement.

Learning about Powhatan Indians, English and Central Africans in 17th century Virginia is engaging through immersive displays and engaging interpreters.

Don’t forget to climb aboard a re-creation of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607.

Be sure to cover your ears during a musket firing demonstration. Photo credit: Jamestown Settlement / Facebook

4. Frontier Culture Museum:

brings the past to life, specifically teaching about the lives of early immigrants. The museum has two separate parts: the old world, and America.

The old world consists of several farms, homelands of the colonists. America depicts the life colonists made in the colonial back-country.

Irish farm Frontier Culture Museum. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison

We were astounded by how much time we spent at George Washington’s estate! In addition to touring the mansion, a visit to the Education Center, and visiting the grounds – must see George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, we had the fortunate chance to visit on Family Day.

On these designated days, there are a slew of activities for families including crafts, several presentations by interpreters, specifically geared towards children.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon will continue its annual tradition of opening to the public on Washington’s Birthday Observed (colloquially known as Presidents’ Day, Feb. 15).

When your children discuss what they are studying in social studies, consider visiting one of the hands-on, living history museums in the Commonwealth to enhance their learning. As RVA locals, we are lucky to have a variety of choices!

— By Lindsay Garrison

Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor

Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!

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Living History Museums in Virginia