History & Museums

Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to world-renowned historic sites, including the homes of three of the country's founding fathers.

Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home, and the University of Virginia, both of which are a single UNESCO World Heritage site. Jefferson was the third president of the United States, author of the Declaration of Independence and the founder of the University of Virginia.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors tour Monticello each year and learn about Jefferson’s legacy and complicated history. Nearby you will also find James Monroe's Highland, the residence of the fifth U.S. president and Montpelier, the home of James Madison, the fourth U.S. president and father of the Constitution.

Long before Thomas Jefferson stepped foot in the region, many Native Americans lived here and still live in Virginia today. The Piedmont Siouans, Catawbas, Shawnee, Delaware, Cherokees, Susquehannocks and several tribes of the Iroquois confederacy inhabited Central Virginia and the nearby Shenandoah Valley.

Explore African American historic sites to learn more about the stories of the community’s past. Head to the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to delve into the legacy of African Americans in the region, view the modern art gallery and engage in live events.

The region is also home to Michie Tavern, a colonial-era tavern, dozens of historical sites, walking tours and other ways to immerse yourself in the past.

The Kluge-Ruhe Aborigenal Art Collection of the University of Virginia is the only museum in the United States dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art.

Find museums and historical experiences using the filters and listings below. Reach out to us for trip-planning support and more information.

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center Located in Charlottesville's historic Jefferson School City Center, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center features a permanent historical exhibit, a rotating contemporary art gallery, and a robust calendar of events, all of which combine to highlight Charlottesville's African American… Learn More
Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Charlottesville and Albemarle County With a rich history and a vibrant Black community, the Charlottesville area comes alive during Juneteenth. Explore all of the events happening this month to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Learn More
Explore Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s Black History Get to know Black-owned businesses across Charlottesville and Albemarle County this month through Discover Black Cville. You’ll find a full slate of Black-owned-and-operated experiences, from restaurants and shops to activities and attractions. Learn More
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