Virginia Historic Sites

The Northern Neck is filled with Virginia historical sites and museums.

Essex County Museum and Historical Society

In Tappahannock historic district. Exhibits feature Rappahannock Indians, Colonial and Confederate eras, African-Americans, and Rappahannock River steamboats; archives of family papers. Unique gift shop. Tappahannock, Virginia, essexmuseum.org, 804.443.4690.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

The historic core of the Washington family plantation on which George Washington, our first president, was born. Administered by the National Park Service. Oak Grove, Virginia, nps.gov/gewa, 804.224.1732.

Historic Christ Church

Completed in 1735, this Virginia historical landmark is the best preserved of Colonial Virginia's Anglican parish churches. The Christ Church features history of church and Robert "King" Carter. Irvington, Virginia, christchurch1735.org, 804.438.6855.

Kilmarnock Museum

Exhibits of business and commerce of Kilmarnock. This Virginia historic site recalls the early days of the bustling town, first known as Steptoe's Ordinary, settled in 1719. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 11am-3pm. Kilmarnock, Virginia , 804.436.9100.

King George Museum

Named for King George I, the county was split off from Richmond County and formed in 1721. Museum and research center located in old jail. King George, Virginia, 540.775.9477.

Kinsale Foundation and Museum

Kinsale Museum chronicles life in a vibrant port. Enjoy a walking tour of Kinsale's historic district. Open year-round, Friday & Saturday-10-5. 449 Kinsale Road, Kinsale, Virginia, kinsalefoundation.org, 804.472.3001 or 804.450.7651.

Mary Ball Washington Museum & Library

Named in honor of Lancaster native and mother of George Washington, the museum features local history exhibits in the old jail, clerks office, and Lancaster House and houses an extensive genealogy research collection. 8346 Mary Ball Road, Lancaster, Virginia, mbwm.org, 804.462.7280.

Menokin

Home of Declaration of Independence signer Francis Lightfoot Lee circa 1769. Visitors center depicting architectural conservation. Hike trails to Cat Point Creek through 325-acre wildlife refuge. Warsaw, Virginia, menokin.org, 804.333.1776.

Morattico Waterfront Museum

Housed in the 1901 Morattico General Store building with views of the Rappahannock River and Lancaster Creek. Exhibits on the cultural history of a working watermen's village. Open May through October, Saturday noon-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm. 6584 Morattico Road, Morattico, morattico.org, 804.462.0532.

Museum at Colonial Beach

Operated by Colonial Beach Historical Society. It traces the town's history from Captain John Smith in 1608 to the present. Colonial Beach, Virginia, museum@colonialbeach.com, 804.224.3379.

Northern Neck Farm Museum

From washing machines, to tractors, sawmills and windmills...it's all at the Northern Neck Farm Museum. Exhibits on Northern Neck Agriculture. Open April through October, Saturdays 10am-2pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm. Call for appointments. 12705 Northumberland Highway, Burgess, Virginia, nnvhs.org, 804.761.5952.

Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society

Collects, preserves, and disseminates information and material of every nature relating to the history, antiquities, and literature of the Counties of Northumberland, Lancaster, Westmoreland, Stafford, Richmond, and King George. Research Library, Montross, Virginia, 804.493.1862.

Northumberland County Historical Society

Founded to preserve the 1844 Old Jail, one of many Virginia's historic sites. Ball Memorial Library and Museum next door includes genealogy and local history library, meeting rooms, and upstairs museum. Beginning January 2011, open Wednesday-Friday, 9am-4pm. 86 Back Street, Heathsville, Virginia, 804.580.8581.

Reedville Fishermen's Museum

The Reedville Fishermen's Museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the fishermen and watermen of Virginia's Northern Neck and the Chesapeake Bay. Sail on our historic skipjack. Visit our museum. Participate in our events. 504 Main Street, Reedville, Virginia, rfmuseum.org, 804.453.6529.

Richmond County Museum

Tells the story of rural Richmond County through exhibits, events, and school programs. Rappahannock Indians, Jones Memorial, Menokin exhibits. Hanging chamber and country store. Located in 1872 jail. Warsaw, Virginia, www.co.richmond.va.us, 804.333.3607.

Steamboat Era Museum

Created to preserve, educate and interpret the era of the steamboats that plied the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Theatre, interactive video stations, dioramas, artifacts, models, paintings, photos and gift shop. Open Thursday-Saturday. 10am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm. Irvington, Virginia, steamboateramuseum.org, 804.438.6888.

Stratford Hall

This Virginia historic landmark was built in 1730s. Stratford Hall was the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and home of the only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence, Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee. Visit the Great House, the Mill, and the rare Miocene Cliffs formation, found in only three other places in the world. Hike several nature trails through wooded areas of 1900-acre grounds on the banks of the Potomac River. Stratford Hall, Virginia, stratfordhall.org, 804.493.8038.

For more information on historic sites in Virginia, call the Tides Inn Activities Team at 804.438.4489 or email activities@tidesinn.com.