the newsome house museum and cultural center

YOU would be missing a wealth of regional history. It was founded after a prominent AA attorney. It has been TOTALLY restored while keeping true to the "period" of the original structure, if that makes sense. The house is nestled deep in the SE section of the city. There is a small section of off street parking. The curator, will provide a small tour and explanation if needed/wanted. There is a small 2.00 donation upon entering. Civic events and some city events are held here. Artists will display work here or in Downing Gross Cultural Center which is a few blocks away. The Newsome House is open really odd hours, so I would suggest you research online OR call ahead of taking the trip out. Take a group of youngsters and enable them to see firsthand about the legacy of this great man.

This is one of the little known hidden secrets in Newport News, VA. The Victorian style house was the home of Joseph Thomas Newsome, the son of former slaves and one of the first African Americans to practice law before the Supreme Court of VA after the Civil War. The permanent exhibit not only tells Newsome's story, but the history of the African American Community in Newport News. The parlor and what might have served as the master bedchamber for the Newsomes hosts changing exhibits showcasing talented African American artists. It's free but they welcome donations.

My tour guide was so friendly and did a great job highlighting the points of history and also giving me time to explore on my own. A unique site and story. An important piece of African-American history.

Newsome house is well-worth a visit for any history lover, regardless of race. There isn't a ton to see, and you can see and read it all in under an hour, but given the dearth of sites showcasing prominent African Americans of this era (as well as the nominal $2.00 admission fee) definitely worth the time. And the history is amazing--Mr Newsome was not only educated, but he was a lawyer in a time when most AA lived in poverty with almost no freedom. Pretty great story. The house exists intact, and though there are quite a few original furnishings scattered throughout, the house is not really furnished, but used for meeting and gallery space, with exhibits scattered throughout. The information presented about Mr Newsome and the era was interesting, but somewhat limited, and that was my main complaint i.e. if you aren't presenting a furnished house you must have great, engaging exhibits. As with many historical sites, though, this is probably due to lack of funding, I'm guessing (sadly). Apparently, they do own most of Mr Newsome's papers etc, and as a visitor, I recommend they update and enlarge their exhibits to more fully present his life and the times in which he lived. Also, no one has written anything about Mr Newsome (apparently), so you can't even leave with a booklet or book in hand for more information. Get writing someone--there's an opportunity there!! Most information located upstairs, btw, and that does not appear to be handicapped accessible--call to find out before visiting.

The house is welled maintained, and reminds one of days gone by.With all the detail fixtures and period pieces.It brings a lot of culture to an area that needs reminding of the great African American history

This home has great history and worth the stop if you want to go across the Hampton Roads Bridge tunnel. Lots to see and great tours.

Seldom told story of a lawyer and his family. Must see for of the beaten path history buffs.