Philadelphia Black History: African-American Heritage Walking Tour
4.9
56 Ratings
Philadelphia
Discover the rich history of African-Americans in Philadelphia with an engaging walking tour. Learn about their contributions to the nation's founding, visit historic sites, and hear inspiring stories of liberation and resilience.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Independence Hall - Congress Hall

Old City Hall

First U.S. Supreme Court Building

American Philosophical Society Museum

Library Hall

Thomas Jefferson Garden

First Bank of U.S.

Second Bank of U.S.

Carpenter’s Hall

Independence Square

Washington Square

Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier

Bicentennial Moon Tree

John Todd House

Bishop White House

Dock Creek

Merchant’s Exchange

City Tavern

Guided tour will also identify the former locations for a number of historical locations of importance including:

Philadelphia Prison Site

Benjamin Rush House Site

Quaker Meeting House Site

Quaker School Site

  • The President’s House - This is the house where the first two president’s lived as well as 9 enslaved individuals.
  • Liberty Bell Center - This is the bell that sat atop of Independence Hall. It was a symbol for the abolition movement.
  • Congress Hall - Join the Black Journey to hear the significant to Black history on the tour!
  • Washington Square - Join the Black Journey to hear the significant to Black history on the tour!
  • Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church - Join the Black Journey to hear the significant to Black history on the tour!
What's Included
  • In-Person Guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

The journey will begin at the Independence Visitor’s Center, focusing on the subject of Black History during the Colonial era. You’ll learn about the significant contributions made by Black Americans during the nation’s establishment. The tour will then proceed to the President’s House, where you’ll learn the stories of the 9 individuals enslaved within its walls, including Martha Washington’s maid who managed to flee from her life of servitude.

Moving on, we’ll visit Congo Square, an historic site where individuals of African heritage once congregated to celebrate. It also served as a burial ground, where both free and enslaved Africans remain interred. Our subsequent destination is the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

As part of the tour, you’ll learn about a woman who was freed from slavery, only to have her previous master try to re-enslave her, and about the court case of those who protected her.

The itinerary also includes viewing famed spots such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, and many other intriguing locations.

Location
Independence Visitor Center
Market Street
Please meet the guide holding a "Black Journey Tour" sign outside of the Market Street entrance in front of the Independence Visitors Center.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(56 Ratings)
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Kimberly_s
Mar 6, 2024
Fascinating tour and amazing guide! - I went on this tour with my best friend, who just moved to Philadelphia. Mijuel was an amazing guide. Born and bred in Philly, studied history in college, he was an amazing reservoir of fascinating history and stories about Philadelphia, specifically the black history of Philadelphia. He brought a lot of historical context to modern day issues which we still struggle with. I loved filling in the historical gaps that are often not taught in school. This was a wonderful way to get to know more about my friend's new city. I'll be back, and would happily take the tour again (there's so much information, you could probably take it many times and still learn new things.)
Review provided by Viator
Jerrisham2024
Mar 4, 2024
Black History is American History - This was an excellent experience! So glad I weathered the (literal) storm. I am so much more knowledgeable having taken this excursion with Myjewel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimcallinan_t
Feb 25, 2024
Highly recommend! - Amazing guide! Very informative, relevant and interesting. Highly recommend. The walk was nice, every stop was full of interesting facts. Can’t think of a single critical thing to say! Do it!
Review provided by Viator
Shaniese_s
Feb 11, 2024
Visiting Mother Bethel... - Visiting Mother Bethel was the highlight of the tour for me. I enjoyed learning about Philadelphia's Black history.
Review provided by Viator
Misha_m
Feb 11, 2024
Amazing tour! - I love every bit of this tour! Learned so many facts! Please keep this up! Throughout the whole tour I was fascinated
Review provided by Viator
Susan_w
Jan 28, 2024
Excellent tour for residents and visitors alike! - My husband and I took the tour in January 2024. Our guide Mijuel was knowledgeable, personable and engaging. He tells the history of Black people in Philadelphia through lively stories, as well as an impressive array of facts and figures. And Mijuel goes beyond recounting events and numbers, to give meaning to a history that affects the lives of Philadelphians of all races to this day. We found the tour fascinating, learned a lot, and very much enjoyed it. Whether you live in Philadelphia or are visiting, this tour will dramatically increase your understanding of and appreciation for the city and of its Black community over the past 400 years.
Review provided by Viator
Fm9hnfb4w4
Jan 17, 2024
An ABSOLUTE Must!!! - The tour guide was so informative and engaging. He was actually the most memorable. I was amazed at the history within Philadelphia. I would definitely do this again. Great family event or school trip for grades 6th and up.
Review provided by Viator
Jdot255
Dec 17, 2023
Great History - The tour was spectacular. Mijuel had so much knowledge and history. He kept it all entertaining and engaging. He’s so energetic. I was very impressed with his ability to answer questions and his personal insights, I plan on booking again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denise_j
Nov 17, 2023
Great tour and I learned a lot - I enjoyed the tour and really learned more about Philadelphia than I had before. It was informative and the tour really showed how Philadelphia has changed over the years.
Review provided by Viator
Don_m
Nov 12, 2023
Eye opening. - I learned a great deal which was not taught in our history books growing up. Both the guides were excellent presenters and very engaging. The tragedies of our history needs to be taught in school rather than white washed. Thank you for this experience.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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