All archaeology museums to visit in Virginia

Uncover the secrets of the past at 16 archaeology museums in Virginia. These museums feature artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history of ancient civilizations.

Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in Virginia:

  1. Jamestown Settlement1

    Jamestown Settlement

     Scotland, VA
    Jamestown, also known as Fuerte de Jamestown, holds a significant place in history as the first permanent English settlement in what is now the United States. It was established in 1607 on the banks of the James River, on a peninsula that is now known as Jamestown Island, located in the current James City County of Virginia. This historical site provides a glimpse into the early days of English colonization in America.
  2. Historic Jamestowne2

    Historic Jamestowne

     Jamestown, VA
    Historic Jamestown is a cultural heritage site that holds significant historical value. It was the location of the 1607 James Fort and the later 17th-century town of Jamestown in America. This site is a testament to the early English settlers who established the first permanent English settlement in North America.
  3. Chrysler Museum of Art3

    Chrysler Museum of Art

     Norfolk, VA
    The Chrysler Museum of Art, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public institution that operates with private support. It is named after Walter P. Chrysler Jr., the owner of the famous automotive company and a well-known collector. The museum was founded in 1939 and has continued to grow and develop since then, particularly after the significant donation from the Chrysler family in 1971.
  4. Rosewell Ruins4

    Rosewell Ruins

     Gloucester, VA
    Rosewell Plantation, located in Gloucester County, Virginia, served as the residence of the Page family for more than a century. The mansion, constructed in 1725, was one of the most extravagant homes in the American colonies during its time. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a fascinating site for visitors interested in architecture and history.
  5. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre5

    Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre

     Bristow, VA
    The Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre is an open-air museum that revolves around the restored courthouse from the 1825 period. Owned and operated by the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division, the museum interprets the history of Brentsville and Prince William County over three centuries. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the area's past.
  6. Staunton River Battlefield State Park6

    Staunton River Battlefield State Park

     Randolph, VA
    Staunton River Battlefield State Park is a significant historical site located in Virginia. The park is uniquely positioned, straddling the Staunton River in Halifax and Charlotte counties. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area while also immersing themselves in the rich history of the region.
  7. Historic Smithfield7

    Historic Smithfield

     Blacksburg, VA
    Smithfield is a historic plantation house located just outside Blacksburg, Virginia. It was constructed between 1772 and 1774 by Colonel William Preston, who used it as his residence and the main hub for his farming operations. This significant piece of architecture offers a glimpse into the life and times of the late 18th century.
  8. Virginia Museum of History and Culture8

    Virginia Museum of History and Culture

     Richmond, VA
    The Virginia Museum of History and Culture offers exhibitions and programming suitable for visitors of all ages. The museum boasts more than 25,000 square feet of exhibition gallery space and has the largest display of Virginia artifacts on permanent view. This makes it the only museum with all of Virginia's history under one roof, covering all centuries, regions, and topics.
  9. Hampton Roads Naval Museum9

    Hampton Roads Naval Museum

     Norfolk, VA
    The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, is one of ten Navy museums operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. This museum celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is co-located with Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and museum.
  10. Strasburg Museum10

    Strasburg Museum

     Strasburg, VA
    The Strasburg Museum, originally known as the Strasburg Stone and Earthenware Manufacturing Company, is a historic factory building situated in Strasburg, Shenandoah County, Virginia. This building, which was constructed in 1891, carries a rich history and serves as a testament to the region's industrial past.
  11. Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center11

    Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center

     Yorktown, VA
    The Colonial National Historical Park is a significant historical site located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is managed by the National Park Service and is dedicated to preserving and interpreting various sites related to the Colony of Virginia and the broader history of the United States. The park is a popular destination, attracting over 3 million visitors each year.
  12. Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park12

    Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park

     Deltaville, VA
    where maritime history comes to life. Peruse our website and then come to see our beautiful park and museum for yourself. Our exhibits reveal the maritime history of the Deltaville area beginning with the catastrophic impact of the Delmarva meteorite 35 million years ago and chronicle the more mode
  13. Isle of Wight County Museum13

    Isle of Wight County Museum

     Smithfield, VA
    The Isle of Wight County Museum offers a diverse range of exhibits that span different periods of history. These include prehistoric fossils, colonial and pre-colonial artifacts, a replica of a turn-of-the-century country store, and displays that interpret the Smithfield ham industry. The museum's most notable artifact is the world's oldest edible cured ham, which is a testament to the region's rich culinary history.
  14. Pamunkey Indian Museum & Cultural Center14

    Pamunkey Indian Museum & Cultural Center

     King William, VA
    The Pamunkey Indian Museum and Cultural Center is a tribal museum situated on the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in Virginia. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, right where it all happened.
  15. 15

    Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum

     Bastian, VA
    The Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the past. It is a reconstruction of a Native American village that dates back to between 1480 and 1520. The exact ethnicity of the Native Americans who lived in the village is unknown, but they could have been Cherokee or one of the Siouan languages tribes that frequented the area.
  16. 16

    Hampton University Museum

     Hampton, VA
    The Hampton University Museum, established in 1868 on the campus of Hampton University, holds the distinction of being the oldest African-American museum in the United States and the oldest museum in Virginia. This historical significance adds a unique layer of cultural richness to the visitor's experience.