Feeling a little stressed out from the daily grind? Sit back, relax and take in the sights and sounds of nature on the Francis Land House grounds. 🦋
#vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: Embroidery
Get to Know Our New Museums Director Annmarie Reiley-Kay!
#VirtualHistoryVB: Make Your Own Whirligig Toy!
#VirtualHistoryVB: Make Your Own Whirligig Toy!
#VirtualHistoryVB: Lynnhaven House Cemetery
#VirtualHistoryVB: Back to School
As we approach September and a non-traditional start to the school year, it reminds us of what it was like for many students during Colonial times. As actual schools were not common in that era, parents were the main source of education, with mothers most often taking the role of home educator. However, unlike today with high-tech Zoom calls and WebEx classes, students back then used simple chalk and slate to learn at home! When you need recess time from virtual learning, consider getting away from the screen, and play with some cool toys such as a Jacob's Ladder, ball-in-a-cup or paddle ball. #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: A Safe Place
Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School was much more than just a school- it was a vital pillar of the Virginia Beach African American community. From music to theater to special events, such as weddings, and more, the school served as a safe gathering place for students, teachers and community members during a time when segregation was still prevalent. Learn more about the Museum celebrating this historic school at https://www.museumsvb.org/museums/union-kempsville-museum. #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: The Fight for Education
Edna Hawkins-Hendrix, Union Kempsville High School Class of 1969, and Historian for the Princess Anne County Training School Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association, Inc., explains the struggles the African American community went through in securing their first ever high school in Princess Anne County (now Virginia Beach). The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum helps share stories of family, community, sacrifice, and the importance of education. #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: Herbs, Gardens and Witchcraft
All of our Historic Homes have gardens, which have several types of herbs (such as rosemary, dill, sage and lemon balm). Homeopathic medicines have been used for centuries, and have gained popularity, but do you know about their connection to witchcraft? Join Miriam to learn more about why herbs are such a big dill to Virginia history! #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: First Peoples of Virginia
Miriam shares a brief lesson, from the Thoroughgood House Education Center, on the history of the Chesapeake Indians, also known as the First People of Virginia. The Chesapeake Indians lived in the Hampton Roads area in the late 1500s up until the early 1600s. #vbhistorymuseums #VirtualHistoryVB
#VirtualHistoryVB: Staying Cool
This summer heat wave is rough! Now, imagine how the July heat would've been for families before the invention of modern air conditioning systems. To cool their homes the best they could, families in the 18th century would open their doors and windows, and hope a cool breeze would provide some relief. Stay hydrated and stay cool, Museum enthusiasts! #vbhistorymuseums #VirtualHistoryVB
#VirtualHistoryVB: Old School Sleep Number
Well before fancy modern electrical bed comfort systems emerged, families like the Lands had manually adjustable rope beds. One person on either side of the bed would take a bed key, and twist to tighten or loosen the bed to the user's comfort. Sleep tight! #VirtualHistoryVB
#VirtualHistoryVB: War of 1812 Plate
On display in the Francis Land House is a commemorative War of 1812 plate, which families like the Lands would've had on display for guests at the time. While the plate depicts an American naval victory, these plates were actually made by the British to sell to Americans. Talk about making a buck off of taking an L! #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: Historical Paint Jobs
Now for something a bit more entertaining than watching paint dry! The details of the Francis Land House reflect the period in which it was built, all the way down to the paint choices. Black and Spanish Brown paint was often used at the bottom of walls and baseboards to cover up dirt and scuff marks. #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: Bed Chamber
As the days eventually get warmer as we get closer to summer, caring for our sites in the hot weather becomes paramount. In the Francis Land House bed chamber exhibit, we change out the winter curtains for mosquito netting each summer. Hundreds of years ago, homes didn't have the modern screens of today, so netting helped keep the bugs from biting at night. #VirtualHistoryVB
#VirtualHistoryVB: Collections
Curatorial Assistant Amanda Wells takes you inside the Thoroughgood House Education Center for one of the most important aspects of running a museum: taking care of collections and artifacts! Check out some of our recently added collections in today's #VirtualHistoryVB adventure.
#VirtualHistoryVB Then and Now (Part 5)
You've made it to Friday, museum enthusiasts! We hope you've had fun on your virtual time-traveling journey through the Then and Now program! Our last segment concludes with a comparison of different household objects (yes, even a toilet seat) from over 200 years ago to today. If you've missed any, or want to watch again, all episodes of the virtual Then and Now program are available on our YouTube channel. We can't wait to see everyone again, soon :) #VirtualHistoryVB #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB: Then and Now Part 4
Welcome back, virtual time travelers! You've been in the digital Francis Land House basement over the last few days, so now it's time to get out and explore the rest of the site! Take a walk with Miriam for your virtual tour of the House, both indoors and outdoors. #VirtualHistoryVB #vbhistorymuseums
#VirtualHistoryVB Then and Now (Part 3)
We're halfway through the week, so it's time to take a break for some fun and games! Miriam explains how toys and games from over 200 years ago were similar in many ways to the ones we have today. From bat and ball games to dolls, ball in a cup and more, we hope you enjoy today's Then and Now segment! Virtual participation is highly encouraged! #VirtualHistoryVB #vbhistorymuseums