It’s a common condition that residents of a place don’t take advantage of the sightseeing attractions and cultural resources in their own back yard. I live in the city of Newport News, Virginia and I don’t want to fall into that trap! Newport News is a distinct city, but part of a greater metro area that stretches across a large swath of southeastern Virginia that has several nicknames such as Hampton Roads, Tidewater or Seven Cities. Since many people think of Newport News as “on the way to Virginia Beach” or “near Williamsburg,” the city’s museums and historical attractions can easily get overlooked – even by her own residents. The truth is there are several excellent Newport News museums and attractions that are well worth a visit – whether you live here, are passing through or making the greater Hampton Roads area your vacation destination. 

Thanks to the Newport News Ambassador Pass – a complimentary pass available to residents and city employees that gives free admission to eight of the Newport News museums and attractions during the month of January – I’ve been revisiting some of my favorite Newport News museums and actually saw two for the first time. The best part is that each pass is valid for two adults and two children, so if you don’t qualify for your own pass, come on down and you can be my guest! And if you don’t use the Ambassador Pass, the individual admission costs are very reasonable for such quality museums. The prices listed below are for regular adult admission; however, most attractions have discounts for childrens, students, seniors or military.

Here are the top 10 Newport News museums and attractions at a glance: 

• Endview Plantation  – Built in 1769 and served as a Confederate hospital during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, the small frame house has been restored to its original style. Costumed interpreters share the lifestyle and history of the owners. ($6)
• James A. Fields House –  The restored home and office of the former slave was also the first Newport News hospital for African Americans. Mr. Fields was in the first graduating class of what is now Hampton University, was the first black judicial officer in Warwick County and practiced law from this house until his death in 1903. ($3)
• Lee Hall Mansion – The last remaining antebellum home on the lower Virginia Peninsula served as a Confederate headquarters during the Civil War. Visitors step back into the mid-Victorian era and learn about its Civil War history from costumed interpreters. ($6)

  

  The Monitor exhibit at the Mariners’ Museum, Photo credit: 4274design.com

• The Mariners’ Museum /USS Monitor Center – This world-class museum is designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum. It offers visitors a captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventures. ($12)
• The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center – The restored 1899 residence honors the legacy of its namesake, a respected attorney, journalist and civic leader who prospered as part of the post Civil War South’s new urban African-American middle class. ($2)
• Peninsula Fine Arts Center – The facility is the premier arts advocate of the region with dynamic exhibitions, thought-provoking educational programs and an interactive gallery for children. ($7.50)
• Peninsula SPCA Petting Zoo – Kids love to meet and feed the barnyard animals treats. The chickens, rabbits, goats and llama roam free, while more exotic animals like big cats and alligators are in secure exhibits. ($2)

  

• US Army Transportation Museum – Devoted to the story of the U.S. Army’s transportation, from horse-drawn wagons of colonial times to all-terrain armored vehicles of today, including experimental craft like a “flying jeep.” (Free)
• Virginia Living Museum – This is an exceptional museum with living exhibits that show the geography, flora and animals of Virginia from the mountains to the coast. Indoor exhibits, outdoor animal exhibits along a nature trail and a planetarium provide hours of fascinating activities for every age. ($17)
• Virginia War Museum – American military history unfolds with extensive exhibits of artifacts, weapons, vehicles and uniforms and posters from 1775 to the present. ($6)

If you would like to know more about Newport News or the greater Hampton Roads/Tidewater/Seven Cities area, just give me a shout. Or better yet, stop in and I’ll show you around!