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| Public Tours ı School Tours ı Other Group Tours ı FAQ |
| HISTORIC RICHMOND TOURS: Public Tours Walking Tours |
Tours are listed topically....not in chronological order. For a chronological listing, please visit our Calendar. Unless otherwise stated, walking tours are $10 ($9 advance, $5 members). Those requiring reservations are $10. See our ad in Style Weekly for a $2 off any walking tour.
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CHURCH HILL Examine historic architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood, described as “the best example of 19th century cityscape still standing in the U.S.” Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s greatest number of antebellum structures.
Sunday Afternoon Walk: April 20; 2-4 p.m. Saturday Evening Walks: August 16 & September 13; 6-7:30 p.m.
STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, 25th and E. Broad Streets.
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MONUMENT AVENUE: heroes, Homes & Residents The first street in the U.S. to be designated as a National Landmark by the National Park Service, Monument Avenue is one of America’s most beautiful boulevards. Learn about the diverse architectural styles of its grand town houses, their famous owners, and respective architects.
DATES: May 18 & August 17 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the Lee Monument at Allen Street and Monument Avenue. |
cITY CENTER WALKS: new!
A new and improved walking tour of downtown surveys the past, present and future of Richmond’s business and municipal district, including the CenterStage complex, the newly renovated Virginia State Capitol, the National Theatre, and the former Miller & Rhoads and Thalhimer’s department store buildings.
Daily Morning Walks: Mon.- Sat., through September 27th
TIME: 10:30a.m. - 12p.m. COST: $10 (pay your guide day of the tour); $5 children under 12.
STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the Richmond Visitor Center, 405 N. 3rd Street. Parking is available in the Richmond Convention Center deck; enter on 3rd Street between Broad and Marshall. Walk ends at the History Center. Participants may opt to lunch at Cafe Richmond, Monday through Friday. |
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 HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY Learn about the history, artwork and symbolism of Hollywood Cemetery, as well as the famous personalities buried there, including two U.S. Presidents, writer Ellen Glasgow, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Civil War Generals George Pickett and J.E.B. Stuart, and thousands of Confederate and Union soldiers.
Daily "HIGHLIGHTS" Walks (90 minutes): Monday – Saturday (April 1 - October 31); 10-11:30 a.m.
Saturday "HIGHLIGHTS" Walks (90 minutes): November 3,10,17,24; 10-11:30 a.m.
Sunday Walks (120 minutes): April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23; 2-4 p.m.
STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the cemetery entrance at Cherry & Albemarle Sts.
NOTE: A 120-minute version of this tour is offered on the second Sunday of each month, April - October, and each Sunday in November, 2-4 p.m. Meet your guide at the cemetery entrance. See full description below. |
HISTORY HOUNDS: Back by popular demand!
Dogs are welcome on these walking tours of Richmond neighborhoods. Join your guide and a representative from Richmond’s SPCA for a two-hour stroll. Space is limited. Reservations are required: (804) 649-0711, ext. 301. Cost is $10.
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September 20: History Hounds Explore Ginter Park - Meet at the SW corner of Brook Rd. and Westwood
 Ave.
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October 18 : History Hounds Explore Forest Hill - Meet at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 4401 Forest Hill Ave.
All History Hounds Walks are 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Dogs must be current with shots, mix well with others and remain on a leash. Owners must pick up after their dogs. Bags provided by the SPCA. |
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CANAL BOATS AND COBBLESTONES Explore the architectural treasures and preservation efforts along the James River and the Canal, which was developed in the 1840’s in order to bypass river rapids. Includes Shockoe Slip, the Turning Basin and the warehouse district.
Sunday Afternoon Walks: April 27, August 24 & October 26; 2-4 p.m.
Saturday Evening Walks: June 28, July 12; 6-7:30 p.m.
STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the James Center Clock Tower at 10th and Cary Streets. |
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JACKSON WARD Known as the “birthplace of Black Capitalism,” Jackson Ward is rich in African American history and culture and boasts a large number of pre-Civil War homes. Tour includes the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site, the A.D. Price Funeral Home, the Dill House and rehabilitated businesses and town homes.
DATES: June 1 & August 31 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide in front of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, 00 Clay Street between 1st and Adams Streets.
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CARYTOWN AND THE bYRD THEATRE: new!
Explore Richmond’s famous retail corridor while learning about its fascinating history as a buffalo trail, a Native American route, a streetcar suburb and, today, the Georgetown of Richmond. Includes the Cary Court Shopping Center, restored to its 1930’s art deco splendor; the Baptist Church building, now converted to retail; and a “behind the scenes” look at the historic Byrd Theatre (1928), one of the few active movie palaces in the country.
DATE: May 4 & September 7 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at Nacho Mama's Restaurant, 3449 W. Cary Street. |
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OREGON HILL Settled by Irish and Welsh ironworkers in the 1840’s, Oregon Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Richmond and continues to thrive as a tight-knit, working class community overlooking the James River and adjacent to Hollywood Cemetery. The tour includes St. Andrew’s Church and School, a gift from Grace Arents, heiress to the Lewis Ginter estate.
DATE: September 21 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the corner of Laurel and Idlewood Streets. Parking available directly across the street from St. Andrew’s on Laurel Street. |
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 FROM IRON FRONTS TO THE HIGH RISE Nineteenth century Iron Fronts share Richmond’s financial district with 20th century glass and steel high rises, contributing to a unique cityscape. Examine a variety of commercial and residential properties built during the past 200 years, and learn about renovations, excavations and efforts to honor the past while anticipating the future. DATES/TIME: June 22 and September 28; 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the corner of Main & 14th Streets.
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SHOCKOE BOTTOM Now an entertainment and residential district, Shockoe Bottom once served as Richmond’s commercial and transportation hub, as well as one of the busiest slave quarters in the country. Explore Main Street Station, the Farmer’s Market, Tobacco Row, and current revitalization efforts.
DATES: May 25, August 3 & October 5 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at Main and 17th Streets.
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THE FAN Named for its distinctive shape, the fashionable Fan District boasts beautifully restored 19th and early 20th century town homes, historic churches, schools and businesses and continues to thrive as a residential community. Learn about the luminaries who have called it home and the architectural details that make the neighborhood unique and timeless.
DATES: June 15 & October 19 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at 700 West Franklin Street.
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HOLIDAY GLITTER: MONUMENT AVENUE AFTER DARK Enjoy the lights and glitter of Monument Avenue decked out for the holidays. This early evening stroll combines history with a touch of glitz! Dress comfortably, and please bring a flashlight. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR: (804) 649-0711 ext. 301.
DATES: December 26 & 27 COST: $10 (pay your guide on day of tour) TIME: 6-7:30 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the Lee Monument at Allen and Monument Avenues. |
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DOWNTOWN CHURCHES Each of the four historic downtown churches on this tour has a fascinating story, distinctive architecture and generations of parishioners. Visit Centenary Methodist, St. Peter’s Catholic, St. Paul’s Episcopal and Second Presbyterian.
DATE: June 29 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at Second Presbyterian Church on 5th Street between Franklin and Main Streets.
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cAPITOL SQUARE Designed by John Notman in 1850, Capitol Square is home to the Virginia State Capitol, the Executive Mansion, the Bell Tower and a number of state office buildings and monuments dedicated to Virginians who helped shape our nation’s history, including George Mason, Thomas Jefferson and Harry F. Byrd. Includes a tour of the Capitol building.
DATE: July 6 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide outside Capitol Square at the 9th & Grace Street gate. |
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LEGAL EAGLES Walk Richmond’s Court End district and learn about some of the best legal minds of the 19th century, including John Marshall, John Wickham and William Wirt. Examine the significant role each played in the Burr Treason Trial of 1807. .
DATES: April 6 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide in front of the John Marshall House at 9th and East Marshall Streets.
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THE MUSEUM DISTRICT: new!
The founding of the Confederate soldiers home initiated the residential development of the area known today as the Museum District. Home to the Virginia Historical Society, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, schools, businesses, churches and residences, this area has played an important role in the westward expansion of the city.
DATE: July 20 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at the Confederate Chapel, directly behind the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. |
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FOREST HILL South of the James, Richmond’s historic Forest Hill neighborhood owes its unique history to Forest Hill Park, the site of a once-bustling amusement park, recreational lake and the Forest Hill Trolley. The rides were shuttered in the 1930’s, but the park remains and the neighborhood is one of Richmond’s most scenic. Explore its shady streets and learn about current efforts to restore the park’s original buildings and entryway.
DATES: July 27 TIME: 2-4 p.m. STARTING POINT: Meet your guide at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 4401 Forest Hill Avenue.
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Historic Richmond Tours
Call our Tour Information Line at 804-649-0711, option 4 for a listing of monthly events. Contact Linda Krinsky, Director of Tours, for more information and complete tour offerings at 804-649-0711, ext. 319 or e-mail at tours@richmondhistorycenter.com.
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| 1015 East Clay St. ı Richmond, VA 23219 ı 804 649.0711 ı info@richmondhistorycenter.com ı Site Map |
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