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Portsmouth: Museums & Historical Places

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  1. African American Historical Society of Portsmouth
    Organization dedicated to collecting local African history and promoting, encouraging, and coordinating original historical activities, relating to African Americans in the Portsmouth area through oral and written interviews and other research activities.
    904 Elm Ave. Portsmouth, VA 23704
    (757) 292-1045
  2. Children’s Museum of Virginia
    Hands On Exhibits, Classes and Events. Birthday Parties and Summer Camps and Homeschool Programs.
    221 High Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
    (757) 393-5258
  3. Civil War Trails
    A series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.
    Hampton Roads, VA
  4. Jewish Museum & Cultural Center
    Museum & Cultural Center honoring Jewish history in Hampton Roads. Tours by appointment.
    607 Effingham Street Portsmouth, VA 23707
    (757) 391-9266
  5. LIGHTSHIP PORTSMOUTH
    This lightship turned museum is fitted out realistically and filled with artifacts, uniforms, photographs, models, and more.
    Water and London streets on the Waterfront Portsmouth, VA 23703
    (757) 393-8591
  6. Pokey Smokey II
    The Pokey Smokey II is a ride-able scale replica of the 1863 C.P. Huntington train. Rides given seasonally according to a set schedule (see website link) for a small fee.
    City Park 140 City Park Avenue Portsmouth,VA 23701
    (757) 393-8000
  7. Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
    Rotating visual art exhibits, lectures, classes and performances. First Friday and Saturday Activities are Free and open to the public. Summer Camps available.
    420 High St, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
    (757) 393-8543
  8. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
    This museum covers over 250 years of history surrounding America’s oldest and largest naval shipyard.
    2 High Street on the Waterfront Portsmouth, VA 23703
    (757) 393-8591
  9. Railroad Museum of Virginia
    Lear all about the local history of trains. Birthday party options may be available.
    Court Street and Wythe Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
    (757) 335-2284
  10. The Hill House Museum
    A four story brick home operated as a not-for-profit museum.
    221 North Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
    (757) 393-0241
  11. The Portsmouth Community Colored Library
    The Portsmouth Community Colored Library served black patrons from 1945 until 1963, when the main library was integrated.
    521 Middle Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
    (757) 393-8983 x21