The Shipyard Experience
Explore the history of Newport News Shipyard on a guided trolley tour led by a museum historian from Newport News Historic Services. While the shipyard itself is not accessible due to security restrictions, the tour visits key related sites including Huntington Avenue, the tugboat Dorothy, the Apprentice School Dormitory, Victory Arch and Victory Landing Park, the Yard District, and Hilton Village. Guests will learn about the shipyard’s founding, its role in 20th-century wars, and its impact today.
The tour begins and ends at the Virginia War Museum with free parking available. The climate-controlled trolley is wheelchair accessible but cannot accommodate car seats, and the tour is not recommended for children. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged, as pre-sales close at 3:00pm the day before the tour.
Black History Month Tours
In honor of Black History Month, Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion will offer special guided tours each Saturday in February that highlight the experiences of enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked on these properties over the centuries.
Through these tours, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the individuals whose stories shaped the history of both sites—from the colonial period through the Civil War and beyond.
Tours are offered every half hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and are included with general admission.
Discover the powerful and personal histories that continue to influence the region today.
Women’s History Month Tours
This March, we celebrate Women’s History Month with special guided tours at Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion. Every Saturday in March, guests will experience tours highlighting the lives and stories of the women who lived, labored, and shaped the history of these sites.
These tours will explore the perspectives of women across time, including Indigenous women connected to Historic Endview, women within the families who owned or lived on the properties, and the enslaved and free Black women whose work and resilience were essential to daily life.
Through these stories, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how women contributed to the history of the region and helped shape the communities we know today.
Tours are included with general admission and are available throughout the day during regular Saturday tour hours.
Girl Scouts: All Aboard for Stories and STEAM
All aboard! Girl Scouts are invited to step back in time at the historic Lee Hall Depot for an exciting, hands-on STEAM adventure that blends creativity, discovery, and local history.
During this interactive program, Girl Scouts will rotate through fun activity stations exploring early communication technology, railroad life, and the powerful stories of the women who helped shape the railroad industry. Girls will participate in small groups of no more than 20, spending about 20–25 minutes at each station.
Activities Include:
Supervision Requirement
Troops must follow the appropriate Girl Scout adult-to-girl supervision ratios. Individual Girl Scouts attending outside of a troop must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration
Advance registration is required. Space is limited.
Join us for a morning filled with exploration, learning, and fun as we uncover how the railroad helped connect communities—and how women played an essential role in keeping it running!
Coffee with a Historian: Maria Curtis
Join us for a special Coffee with a Historian program highlighting the life and legacy of Maria Curtis, a respected community leader whose influence helped shape the Lee Hall community.
Hosted in partnership with Lebanon Christian Church, this informal program invites guests to enjoy coffee and light snacks while engaging in conversation with historians from the City of Newport News and Lebanon Christian Church. Together, we will explore Maria Curtis’s leadership, service, and impact throughout the different stages of her life, and the lasting role she played in the history of Lee Hall.
This program is free to attend. All guests will receive a $2.00 off admission coupon to use at a Newport News Historic Site in 2026.
