Harlem Renaissance in DC: Historical Walking Tour
4.9
33 Ratings
Washington
Experience the vibrant history of the Harlem Renaissance in DC on this engaging walking tour. Discover the music, literature, and cultural impact of African Americans in U Street NW. Join us on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 2pm!
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Howard Theatre - Howard Theater was the first theater in DC to offer a stage for African American performers, established in 1910. It has played a key part in the DC music and arts scene ever since.
What's Included
  • 2-hour guided tour of DC History with an expert guide.
What's Not Included
  • Food and Drink purchased at Ben’s Chili Bowl or Ben’s Next Door
Additional Information
  • The tour takes place on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 2pm.

Embark on a fascinating walking tour that revives an era in which U Street NW DC was the thriving heart of African American intellectual thought and music, pulsating with jazz vibes. Experience the emergence of Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer as the promising scribes of that age, encompassing an ongoing endeavor to chronicle the tale of African Americans. Traverse through a Washington D.C. chapter of the Harlem Renaissance! The tour includes a mid-way rest stop at the renowned Ben’s Chili Bowl for optional snacks and a restroom pause.

Location
The Howard Theatre
T Street Northwest
The tour will begin in front of the Howard Theater on T Street NW.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(33 Ratings)
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L6416tosusanw
Oct 16, 2023
Learn something new; see DC - Fun and interesting tour. Katie was so knowledgeable and shared many bits of history I did not know about the era and neighborhood. Perfectly timed pit stop at Ben’s Cili Bowl. Great way to see a DC neighborhood!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
992alishak
May 11, 2023
Engaging Tour that Shows Another Side of the Harlem Renaissance - I am a college professor who has taken her students on walking tours in Harlem. I decided to try the Harlem Renaissance in DC tour for a change of pace, and I'm very glad that I did. I couldn't bring my class along as planned, but I took the tour anyway with my family. My 12-year old remained attentive if not engaged throughout the tour. Katie is very professional and knowledgeable about the period and the neighborhoods along the tour route. She dressed in 1920s attire and played jazz music during our walk. Instead of sticking to a prepared script she responded to questions and elaborated on different points based on our interests. Many historic sites in NYC related to the Harlem Renaissance have been repurposed or torn down. There are a significant number of sites still standing in DC, however. Overall, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend this tour for everyone. Curious tourists, history buffs, students, and scholars can all learn something long the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bdwagon
May 5, 2023
Excellent walking tour of the Shaw neighborhood of DC - This was an excellent walking tour of the Shaw neighborhood of DC, mapping out the connections of the community with the Harlem renaissance. Tour guide Katie was very knowledgeable and her commentary was well-researched and delivered with enthusiasm. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W6094dwandreac
Nov 28, 2022
Awesome way to learn about the Harlem Renaissance in DC - This tour was phenomenal. Daarel was our guide. He was really engaging, provided a wealth of information and answered all of our questions. We learned so much and had a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
751alayahj
Nov 15, 2022
A great tour of the Harlem Reneissance - What a great tour! Our guide was very well versed in the information she spoke about. She has lovely energy and added her own personal touches by incorporating music and dressing for the part. It was a well organized tour that I recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspire484221
Nov 13, 2022
Great experience - Great cultural experience lots of information I didn’t know would love to take the trip again in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
903nylah
Sep 18, 2022
Great way to spend an afternoon: Harlem Renaissance in DC - This was such a cool walking tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had done plenty of research on the history of Black writers and musicians who were from or got their start in DC. She took us to some gems that I will certainly be going back to, and gave us some tips on where to find local jazz. I moved to DC recently and found this tour a great learning experience about the rich culture of African Americans in DC that I wouldn’t get from the big tourist attractions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Renjon25
Jul 3, 2022
Black excellence in DC. - This is a great tour if you want to learn more about the significant contributions, history and the important legacy of Black people in DC during the Harlem Renaissance era. All the jazz greats, musicians, poets, writers, intellectuals, educators. As a Black woman who attended Howard University and lived in the DC area for many years I learned so much on this tour as we walked through the various neighborhoods. I really enjoyed it. Great job Katie!! I recommend this tour for anyone that loves history and culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda
Jun 5, 2022
Jazz, murals, and history! - Katie brings history to life on this tour highlighting the vibrant musicians and figures who created a true community in the U street area. Learned a bunch about another ‘off the mall’ neighborhood- would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
West658
May 8, 2022
Cancelled with limited notice - I checked my email before heading off to this tour, and finally had to call when the tour guide didn't show up. She said she had sent me a cancellation but I didn't find it in my email until that night along with other emails about where to show up and how did I like my tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
April 2024
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