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Wednesday 12pm - 3pm Saturday 12pm - 3pm

Hill House Museum

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United States
Portsmouth, VA
Hill House Museum

Imagine a family went for an afternoon stroll and never returned home. This is what it feels like in The Hill House Museum. Open from May through December.

Private tours available anytime upon request.

04/20/2026

Volunteer Appreciation Week 💙April 19-25, 2026

This week, we proudly celebrate YOU — the amazing volunteers of the Hill House Museum!

Whether you’re welcoming guests as a docent, helping plan special events, preserving history through archiving, assisting with our elegant teas, or stepping in wherever needed — your dedication makes all the difference.

Because of you, the Hill House Museum continues to thrive and share its story with our community. Your time, passion, and commitment are truly invaluable.

We are so grateful for everything you do. Thank you for being the heart of the Hill House Museum — this week and every day!

04/17/2026

Today, the Tidewater Officers’ Spouses’ Association visited the Hill House Museum. They enjoyed their private tour and had a wonderful time. Thank you to Julie Dunn, Hill House Museum docent, for hosting the group and providing such an engaging tour.

04/10/2026

Today marked the official start of the Hill House Museum cruise ship tours. Pat and Janie welcomed our first guests of the season, providing fun and informative tours of this amazing time capsule. A special thank you to Karen and Jeff Washburn for partnering with us once again—we look forward to welcoming many new guests to the museum this year.
If you haven’t visited the Hill House Museum before—or if you’re ready for a return visit—our opening day for the season is Saturday, May 2, 2026. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a historic walking tour of Olde Towne, Karen and Jeff’s walking tours are truly top notch.

02/20/2026

In honor of Black History month, the Hill House Museum is excited to partner with Emanuel AME Church. The Lincolnsville photo collection, which is archived at the Hill House Museum will be on display at Emanuel AME Church -637 North Street, Portsmouth, VA (Olde Towne).

The exhibit will be open to visitors on Saturday, February 21 and February 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The exhibit can also be viewed during church hours as well on Sunday, February 22 and March 1. For more information you can call the church office at 757-393-2259.

Lincolnsville was Portsmouth’s first middle-class African American community. Established in the 19th century, Lincolnsville was primarily a residential community with a number of key African American owned businesses and organizations that provided for the commercial and social needs of its inhabitants.
In the late 1950’s, Portsmouth’s city council chose Lincolnsville as its first urban renewal project, choosing to level almost every building in the community.

This photo collection shows some of the residential and commercial buildings that once stood in Lincolnsville and the surrounding African American community.
We are honored to play a small part in preserving and sharing this important history with the community.

02/15/2026

The Hill House Museum is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to become part of our amazing team! Whether you love history, enjoy meeting new people, or prefer working behind the scenes, we have a variety of opportunities to match your interests and schedule.
From greeting guests and leading tours to assisting with special events and seasonal decorating, there’s a place for you at the Hill House.
Come be part of preserving history and sharing the story of our beautiful home with the community. We would love to welcome you!
Interested? Send us a message to learn more about getting involved!

01/31/2026

✨Revelry & Restoration: An Evening in the Age of Shakespeare ✨
Step into an enchanting evening where history, imagination, and community spirit intertwine. Inspired by the magic of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this Renaissance-themed fundraiser invites guests to wander through a world of twinkling lights, whimsical décor, and timeless charm—all in support of preserving our shared heritage.

Guests will be welcomed by costumed performers and demonstrators as they explore the historic halls of the Martin Mansion. Whether you arrive as a noble, a fairy queen, or a wandering poet, you’ll be part of a magical night where past and present meet beneath the midsummer moon. Join us in honoring history, celebrating community, and preserving the stories that shape our future.

Let the revelry begin—your presence ensures that history continues to shine for generations to come.

Event Details:

Where: The Historic Martin Mansion, 524 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507

When: Saturday March 7th, 2026 from 6PM - 9PM

Dress Code: Costumes are encouraged but not required! Outfit inspiration can be drawn from a Midsummer's Night Dream, Ever After, A Knight’s Tale, and general Renaissance festival garb!

To purchase tickets please visit www.hunterhousemuseum.org. For any questions please email [email protected] or call 757-623-9814.

***Tickets are only valid if purchased through the Hunter House Victorian Museum. Any tickets purchased from 3rd parties will not be honored***

01/03/2026

Happy New Year from the Hill House Museum. Just as a reminder, the museum is closed for tours until Spring 2026.

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from everyone at the Hill House Museum. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful season!

12/20/2025

Today is the final day for tours this year! Miss Bella is especially fond of the holiday decorations throughout the house and hopes guests will stop by to visit today from 12:00–3:00 PM. We’d love to see you before we close for the season!

12/14/2025

Yesterday, the Hill House Museum concluded its 200th Anniversary celebration with an Anniversary Tea.

Guests enjoyed an array of delicious food, aromatic tea, and engaging historical re-enactments that truly brought the home’s rich history to life. It was a wonderful day filled with fellowship, reflection, and appreciation for two centuries of stories within these walls.

A perfect way to close out 200 years of history at the Hill House. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone so special!

12/04/2025

The museum was packed with visitors today, all enjoying the festive holiday decorations and the warm spirit of the season. It was wonderful to see so many guests taking in the history and charm of the Hill House in its holiday splendor.

We were especially delighted to welcome a group of AAA travel agents from across the United States! Their visit added extra excitement to an already lively day.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by—we love sharing this historic home with you during the holidays!

Address

221 North Street
Portsmouth, VA
23704

Opening Hours

Wednesday	12pm - 3pm
Saturday	12pm - 3pm

Telephone

(757) 393-0241

Website

http://www.thehillhousemuseum.org/

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