Dedication of a New Historic Marker Recognizing Marcus Garvey
Join us for the dedication of a new historic marker recognizing the legacy of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Newport News.
This special ceremony commemorates the impact of Marcus Garvey’s movement and the important role the UNIA played in empowering African Americans and fostering community, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural pride. The new marker will help preserve and share this significant chapter of Newport News history for future generations.
The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. Community members, local leaders, historians, and visitors are invited to attend as we honor this important piece of our shared heritage.
We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate and recognize the enduring legacy of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association in Newport News.
250 REWIND
Celebrate 250 years of American freedom by exploring the stories, people, and places that shaped our nation and community. Throughout the month of July, enjoy FREE admission to participating Newport News museums and historic sites, including the Virginia War Museum, Historic Endview, Lee Hall Mansion, Lee Hall Depot, and the Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center. Step back in time, discover local history, and join us in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
Five Historic Sites • One Historic Celebration
Sensory Friendly Hour
Looking for a quiet, calm, and sensory-friendly museum experience? Join us for Sensory Friendly Hour at Lee Hall Depot, a dedicated time designed for individuals and families who prefer a more relaxed, low-stimulation environment.
During this special hour, the museum space is thoughtfully adjusted to support comfort and accessibility. Lights will be dimmed or turned off, noise levels will be kept to a minimum, and sensory-friendly items will be available to borrow. Guests can also enjoy a quiet coloring and reading station, creating a welcoming space to explore at their own pace.
This is not a structured program, but rather a dedicated hour where visitors can experience the museum in a calmer, more comfortable setting.
We welcome anyone who would benefit from a sensory-friendly environment and invite you to enjoy Lee Hall Depot in a way that feels comfortable for you.
All Aboard! National Kitten Day at Lee Hall Depot
All kittens will be available for visitors to meet and interact with. Foster and adoption opportunities will be determined by the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter based on availability.
The Shipyard Experience: A Trolley and Walking Tour
Discover the Newport News Shipyard legacy — explore the people and places that built our community.
Although visitors cannot enter Newport News Shipyard due to security restrictions, this tour will feature many sites related to the shipyard, including Huntington Avenue, the tugboat Dorothy, the Apprentice School Dormitory, the 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 current priorities. The tour will be led by a museum historian from Newport News Historic Services and will include brief opportunities to walk around.
The tour will begin and end at the Virginia War Museum, where there is ample free parking. Please arrive at 9:45AM to board the trolley for a 10:00AM departure. We will return to the Museum by 11:30AM.
The trolley is heated and air conditioned and has traditional wooden bench seating. It does not have seat belts and cannot accommodate car seats, so the tour is not recommended for children.
The trolley is wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair, please contact us at nnhistoricsites@nnva.gov when purchasing your ticket so we can adjust the ticket capacity accordingly.
Please note that ticket pre-sales end at 3:00PM the day before the tour. Remaining tickets, if available, may be purchased beginning at 9:00AM at the Virginia War Museum on the morning of the tour.
Tots & Trains
All aboard for summer fun at Lee Hall Depot! The Tots & Trains Summer Series invites toddlers and their grown-ups to enjoy a morning of stories, creativity, and hands-on fun inspired by trains and adventure.
Each program features a themed storytime, craft, and interactive activity designed especially for children ages 6 and under. This summer’s featured books include The Little Engine That Could, Pete the Cat: Train Trip, and Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night? — bringing imagination, movement, and train-themed excitement to every session.
Programs last approximately 45 minutes and provide a fun, engaging way for young children to explore early learning, creativity, and local history in a welcoming museum setting.
Registration: Pre-registration preferred at www.bit.ly/TotsandTrains. Pay-at-the-door admission will only be available if space remains and is not guaranteed.
Guests are also welcome to explore the depot following the program. Regular museum admission applies for self-guided visits outside of the event.
Coffee (Ice Cream) with a Historian
Before there were ice cream trucks, neighborhood parlors, and endless flavor choices, ice cream was a rare and luxurious treat enjoyed by only a select few Americans.
Join us at Aux Delices at Kiln Creek for a delicious journey through history as we explore the story of ice cream in America during the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.
Discover how this beloved frozen dessert made its way to America, who enjoyed it during the Revolutionary Era, and how it evolved into one of the country’s favorite traditions. You may be surprised to learn that ice cream has a history that is as rich and layered as the dessert itself!
And with National Ice Cream Day being celebrated the very next day, it’s the perfect weekend to enjoy a scoop while discovering the sweet side of American history.
As a special thank-you, attendees will receive a $2 coupon off admission to any City-owned museum.
