The Virginia Guides Service continues 75 years of students guiding visitors through UVA, carrying forward tradition while bringing new light to the past.
Where The Past Stands
And More Is Told.
The American promise rests on the idea that all are created equal, and every story has a place in that legacy. Many who have shaped this University have long gone unrecognized. As we learn more, our tours evolve — not to change the past, but to share more of it.
Jefferson's Academical Village is more than its founding. From the history of enslavement to liberation, desegregation to coeducation, it shapes and reflects the American story, recognized by UNESCO for this role, and is made richer as we share more.
With this mission, all tours are offered free of charge.
*Tour dates are subject to the Student Calendar. Some days may not have tours due to student breaks or finals. Click here for details.
Who We Are
The Virginia Guides Service is an independent student-run volunteer tour-giving organization that provides the historical and admissions tours of the University of Virginia. Virginia Guides is an organization that embodies a spirit of student self-governance and seeks to foster a sense of unity and cohesion among its members.
Our tour guides are students who are put through a rigorous training semester where they learn the ins and outs of UVA's history while practicing crucial tour-giving skills. Trainees receive mentorship from experienced guides, professors, and historical organization leaders in the Charlottesville community. All tours are conducted free of charge.
Our Events
Join us in our work of telling a more honest, just, and complete telling of UVA's history.
Summer Tours: History of UVA and Prospective Student Tour*
Our commitment to providing a more complete history of the University of Virginia carries on this summer.
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Specialty Tours Returning in the Fall
Our specialty tours dive deeper into a specific aspect of UVA's history such as Women's History and the History of African Americans at UVA.
SHED LIGHT
ON HISTORY
The Virginia Guides Service at UVA is an entirely student-run independent volunteer organization. If you would like to provide additional support, please consider donating to our day-to-day operations here. We appreciate your time and thank you for continuing to support our mission.