Planning Your Visit to Fort Monroe and the site of
the African Landing Memorial
Start at the Visitor Center at Fort Monroe, 30 Ingalls Rd, Fort Monroe, VA 23651.Or call (757) 690-8181 for additional information, questions or directions.
The Visitor Center is open to the public Tuesday-Sun 9:30 AM-4:30 p.m There is ample parking and the building is ADA compliant.
Groups of 10 or more, educational programs, or guided tours/visits, call us at 757 690-8181 or email us at visit@fortmonroe.org for group tour information. Non-FMA conducted or hosted tours, guided visits or programs are prohibited in any FMA facilities and use of outdoor spaces require a permit from the Venues, Events and Media Production Department, email: FMevents@fortmonroe.org
Come Learn at Fort Monroe!
Looking to plan a field trip to Fort Monroe? Let the historic site be your classroom! Fort Monroe Authority has education opportunities for all ages and types of learners. There are hands-on programs as well as general tours.
Please see our different options for your students or group below.
Programs and Tours
“What is Freedom?”
What is freedom? Is there a single definition that fits everyone throughout history? Discover the narratives of individuals in the history of Fort Monroe and Old Point Comfort, from the first landing of Africans in 1619, the Contraband Decision of 1861, formation of the United States Colored Troops, and their unique experiences with the word freedom.
“Cultures and Communities”
How have cultures helped shape communities over hundreds, if not thousands of years? Explore the different ways that the cultures of the indigenous, English colonizers, and first enslaved Africans in the English speaking Virginia colonies helped to shape the communities we live in today at Point Comfort and beyond.
Knowledgeable Minds and Skilled Hands
Join us for a fascinating tour where we will bring to light the little-known stories of those who shaped the history at Fort Monroe and beyond. We’ll share the wide-ranging impact of Black labor and the full force their knowledge and experience had on America. With a special behind-the-scenes visit, we will see up-close the craftsmanship of those who built the largest masonry fortification in the nation.
How to book a program or a tour
All education programs use primary and secondary sources as a way for students to explore narratives through the lenses of individuals that have set foot at Fort Monroe. Students evaluate these sources in order to understand and interpret historical context and narrative. Programs are aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning, as well as Common Core State Standards. Programs can be modified for grade levels.
Can’t visit us in person? No problem, we’ll come to you.
Fort Monroe Authority education staff can work with you and your students through our education studio virtually! See some of the same spaces, primary documents, and artifacts in your own classroom. Take a look at our programs on CILC.org.
For more information, please contact us at education@fortmonroe.org.
Accessibility
Fort Monroe welcomes everyone and strives to be accessible to all. Because the site is located on a former Army post some accessibility challenges are present. The Fort Monroe Authority (FMA) is committed to creating the best experience for all visitors and enhancing accessibility to museum facilities, public programs, services and activities. When possible FMA will make reasonable modifications when necessary to afford visitors with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from programs, services and facilities. Call (757) 690-8181 for information about accessibility for people with disabilities.
Conduct while visiting
Fort Monroe Authority is committed to exploring our shared history in an environment that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all visitors.
- Be open to learning in a shared space.
- Create an environment free of harassment and threatening behavior.
- Engage in dialogue without discriminatory language.
- Show respect to staff, fellow visitors and property.
Fort Monroe Authority does not tolerate racist, sexist or homophobic comments, vandalism, physical contact or harassment of any kind in any of our public spaces.
Photography & video recording
Unless otherwise posted, guests may take pictures and video recordings for personal, non-commercial use. There are some areas that indicate “no photography:” please adhere to the restriction.
- Flash photography
- Use of tripods, monopods, selfie sticks or other similar equipment
- Drones and other unmanned aerial devices or systems on museum property and grounds
Direct commercial and media requests for filming and photography to the Fort Monroe Authority should be sent to memorial1619@fortmonroe.org.