Experience the history of our Museum collection.
Discover the fascinating stories of Colonial Beach's diverse cultures and traditions.
Colonial Beach Historical Society Announces 2024 Season
THE COLONIAL BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY is pleased to announce the opening of the Museum (located on the corner of Washington and Hawthorn Streets) on Saturday, April 13th for the 2024 season. Hours are 1-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
We welcome visitors and residents to view our new and updated exhibits depicting the history of our wonderful town. There is no admission fee though donations are welcome.
In addition, Glenn Lewis (a resident and great supporter of the Historical Society) will open the Museum during the months of July and August on Friday nights from 6-8 p.m. to coincide with the Friday Night Art Walk.
About The Museum at Colonial Beach
Our History
The jewel of the Northern Neck, Colonial Beach, Virginia has been home to inventors, fishermen, writers, gamblers and statesmen since its incorporation in 1892. It began its existence as a bathing and fishing resort in the nineteenth century. The town’s location on the Potomac River was an asset in an era, prior to the introduction of the automobile, when travel was slow and restrictive. Most visitors arrived by boat from Washington, D.C. Recreation activities included bathing at the mile-long sandy beach, fishing and boating. It was in this era, the latter part of the 19th century, that Colonial Beach became known as the “Playground on the Potomac.”
The Museum at Colonial Beach was founded and is operated by the Colonial Beach Historical Society. The Musrum shares this local history, featuring experiences and artifacts of the people who have inhabited Colonial Beach over the years, with stories involving the Potomac River, the Oyster Wars, gambling and much more.
The Museum is open to visitors early April until mid-October. Regular hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 pm
Admission is free, but your generous donations help keep our doors open
Our Collections
Explore Colonial Beach Historical Society's Museum at Colonial Beach's vast collection of artifacts, exhitbits and stories of the inventors (Graham Bell family), fishermen (Oyster Wars), writers (Sloan Wilson author of The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, it’s gamblers’ history (“Las Vegas on the Potomac”) and statesmen (Presidents Washington & Monroe and Robert E. Lee family). Join us in showcasing the diversity and richness of our historic history and culture in Northern Neck along the Potomac River.
Our Mission
Discover Colonial Beach Historical Society's Museum at Colonial Beach's commitment to preserving and promoting our historic heritage, and engaging visitors in meaningful and transformative experiences.
About The Museum at Colonial Beach
Our History
The jewel of the Northern Neck, Colonial Beach, Virginia has been home to inventors, fishermen, writers, gamblers and statesmen since its incorporation in 1892. It began its existence as a bathing and fishing resort in the nineteenth century. The town’s location on the Potomac River was an asset in an era, prior to the introduction of the automobile, when travel was slow and restrictive. Most visitors arrived by boat from Washington, D.C. Recreation activities included bathing at the mile-long sandy beach, fishing and boating. It was in this era, the latter part of the 19th century, that Colonial Beach became known as the “Playground on the Potomac.”
The Museum at Colonial Beach was founded and is operated by the Colonial Beach Historical Society. The Musrum shares this local history, featuring experiences and artifacts of the people who have inhabited Colonial Beach over the years, with stories involving the Potomac River, the Oyster Wars, gambling and much more.
The Museum is open to visitors early April until mid-October. Regular hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 pm
Admission is free, but your generous donations help keep our doors open
Our Collections
Explore Colonial Beach Historical Society's Museum at Colonial Beach's vast collection of artifacts, exhitbits and stories of the inventors (Graham Bell family), fishermen (Oyster Wars), writers (Sloan Wilson author of The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, it’s gamblers’ history (“Las Vegas on the Potomac”) and statesmen (Presidents Washington & Monroe and Robert E. Lee family). Join us in showcasing the diversity and richness of our historic history and culture in Northern Neck along the Potomac River.
Our Mission
Discover Colonial Beach Historical Society's Museum at Colonial Beach's commitment to preserving and promoting our historic heritage, and engaging visitors in meaningful and transformative experiences.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our customers, so feel free to visit!
The Museum is open April - October, on Saturdays & Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
The Museum at Colonial Beach
128 Hawthorne Street Colonial Beach Virginia 22443
804-224-3379 themuseumatcolonialbeach@themuseumatcolonialbeach.com
