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.
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.
