5 Don't-Miss Museums in Newport News, Virginia
Newport News is known for its rich history and fascinating past, and there's no better way to explore this Virginia city than through its museums. If you're considering moving to Newport News, museums that bring the region's past and present to life will help you get to know your new hometown.
Here are five favorite museums in Newport News, VA.
Mariners Museum and Park
Maritime history comes to life at the Mariners Museum and Park. Newport News has long been connected to the water, and this fascinating museum allows you to learn through a series of interactive exhibits and galleries.
After marveling at the model ships taking in a show in the Explorer Theater, you can head outside to explore the grounds. The museum is set on a 550-acre park crisscrossed with miles of trails through rolling woodlands, a 167-acre lake, and serene views.
Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center
Entering the Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center takes you back to the turn of the century. In 1899, this lovely home belonged to the prominent Newsome family, who led the fight for civil rights and social justice in Virginia.
Today, you can tour this loving restored Queen Anne home and learn about J. Thomas and Mary Newsome's accomplishments. It's a great way to get a glimpse of what life was like over 12 decades ago in the post-war South.
Virginia Living Museum
Newport News may be best known for its history, but it's also a destination for those who love exploring the great outdoors. So get back to the wonders of nature at the Virginia Living Museum. Home to 250 species of animals, it's the perfect way to get up close to the region's biodiversity.
At this sanctuary for orphaned and rescued animals, you can watch them feed otters, alligators, and deer or relax in front of the aquarium displays. The Virginia Living Museum also offers a planetarium and star gazing on dark nights.
U.S. Army Transportation Museum
The only museum of its kind in the country, the U.S. Army Transportation Museum highlights the history of the U.S. Army's transportation corps. Stretching back from horse-drawn carriages to today's all-terrain vehicles, you'll find an extensive collection of military vehicles.
Stroll through the indoor and outdoor pavilions to marvel at tugboats, planes, trains, hovercraft, landing craft, and even a flying car prototype. Admission is free, but since the museum is on base, be sure to check entry requirements.
Virginia War Museum
The Virginia War Museum provides a perspective on U.S. military history throughout the ages. Here you'll find a robust collection of the tools of war dating back to 1775, from uniforms and weapons to posters and vehicles. These artifacts trace war and conflict through the decades.
Galleries include an extensive collection of propaganda posters and significant artifacts such as a piece of the Berlin Wall, Truman's helmet, and a portion of the outer wall from the Dachau concentration camp. There's also an exhibit on Newport News's role in both World Wars.
There's so much to see and do in Newport News, and exploring the area's past is a great place to start. At Brooks Transfer & Storage, we know Newport News inside and out! For more ideas about fun activities, check out our blog.
And if you're moving to Newport News, VA, Brooks Transfer & Storage can help with that, too! Contact us today to learn more.
