Newports African American History Walking Tour

The Newport’s African American History Walking Tour provides a captivating window into the city’s rich and complex past. Participants will explore the lived experiences of enslaved individuals, uncover the stories of free African Americans who built successful enterprises, and visit the Common Burying Ground – a sacred space that testifies to the resilience of this community. The tour not only illuminates the harsh realities they faced but also showcases their unwavering spirit and invaluable contributions to Newport’s history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this immersive experience promises to challenge preconceptions and deepen your understanding of this important chapter in America’s history.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Walking Tours In Newport Rhode Island.

Key Points

• The walking tour explores the daily lives and experiences of enslaved individuals in Newport, highlighting their resilience and cultural traditions.
• The tour showcases how free African Americans built successful enterprises and industries, demonstrating their resilience and ingenuity despite systemic oppression.
• Visitors can discover the Common Burying Ground, also known as ‘God’s Little Acre,’ which serves as the final resting place for many of Newport’s early African American residents.
• The Museum of Newport History offers insightful exhibits on Newport’s African American heritage, complementing the walking tour’s exploration of the city’s significant history.
• The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and starts at the Museum of Newport History, providing a seamless transition from the museum to the walking portion of the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Enslaved Peoples’ Lived Experiences

The tour explores the daily lives and experiences of enslaved individuals who lived and labored in Newport’s historic neighborhoods.

Visitors will learn about the harsh realities faced by those in bondage, from the backbreaking work they performed to the limited freedoms they were afforded.

The tour highlights the quarters where enslaved people resided, often cramped and rudimentary in design.

Guides share stories of resilience, as they describe how the enslaved community found ways to maintain their cultural traditions and support one another, despite the oppressive system they endured.

Through this immersive experience, participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and struggles that defined the lives of those forced into slavery in early America.

Building Free African American Enterprises

Alongside the harsh realities of slavery, the tour also explores how free African Americans in Newport built their own enterprises and industries, supporting a growing community.

Guides highlight locations where these entrepreneurs established successful businesses, from maritime trades to artisanal crafts, defying the constraints of the era to forge their own economic paths.

Visitors learn about the thriving African American community that emerged, with free Black individuals owning homes, operating shops, and contributing to the broader economy.

The tour provides a glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of Newport’s free Black population, who found ways to create opportunity and prosperity in the face of systemic oppression.

Discovering the Common Burying Ground

Visitors on the tour will discover the Common Burying Ground, a historic cemetery that serves as the final resting place for many of Newport’s early African American residents.

The cemetery, known as ‘God’s Little Acre,’ contains the graves of enslaved individuals and free Black community members, providing a poignant glimpse into their lives and experiences.

Guests will explore the grounds and learn about the stories behind the headstones, uncovering the rich history and resilience of Newport’s African American population.

The tour guide will share insights about the important role this sacred space played in the community, as well as the ongoing efforts to preserve and honor the legacy of those buried within its hallowed grounds.

Visiting the Museum of Newport History

The museum at the Brick Market provides visitors an opportunity to explore Newport’s rich history, offering insightful exhibits that complement the walking tour’s exploration of the city’s African American heritage.

Guests can learn about the pivotal role played by free and enslaved African Americans in shaping the local economy and community.

Interactive displays showcase the contributions of notable figures, while artifacts and multimedia installations paint a vivid picture of daily life in the colonial era.

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Duration and Meeting Point Details

The tour is designed to be approximately 90 minutes in duration, allowing participants to explore the city’s rich African American heritage at a comfortable pace.

The meeting point for the tour is the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market, located at the foot of Washington Square. This convenient location provides easy access to the highlights of the tour, which include the Old Quarter, Historic Hill neighborhood, and God’s Little Acre in the Common Burying Ground.

With this centralized starting point, visitors can seamlessly transition from the museum to the walking portion of the experience, ensuring a smooth and immersive tour through Newport’s significant African American history.

Pricing and Reservation Information

Pricing for the African American History Walking Tour in Newport starts at $20.00 per person, allowing visitors to explore the city’s significant African American heritage at an affordable rate.

Participants can reserve their spot in advance and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience. This flexible payment option makes the tour accessible to a wider audience.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing visitors with the flexibility to adjust their plans as needed.

With its competitive pricing and convenient reservation system, the African American History Walking Tour in Newport offers an engaging and accessible way for visitors to explore the area’s rich cultural history.

Cancellation Policy and Tour Inclusions

With flexible cancellation policies, visitors can easily adjust their plans for the African American History Walking Tour in Newport. The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing participants with the freedom to accommodate any changes to their schedules.

While the tour doesn’t include interior visits to the featured sites, it still offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s African American heritage. Guests will discover the places where enslaved people lived and labored, as well as locations where free African Americans built enterprises and supported a new industry.

Additional Tour Highlights

The African American History Walking Tour in Newport offers several captivating highlights that bring the city’s rich Black heritage to life.

Visitors can expect to explore the Old Quarter and Historic Hill neighborhood, uncovering the places where enslaved individuals once lived and worked.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to God’s Little Acre in the Common Burying Ground, a historic cemetery that serves as a poignant reminder of the African American community’s enduring presence in Newport.

Along the way, the guided tour sheds light on the locations where free African Americans established businesses and supported a thriving new industry, painting a vivid picture of the community’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities is unclear based on the information provided. More details would be needed about accommodations, such as wheelchair access, guide assistance, or audio/visual aids, to fully assess the tour’s accessibility.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour, unless otherwise specified by the tour guide. Participants should be mindful of respecting the sites and other tour-goers when capturing photos or videos.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in English only. No other languages are available for this walking tour. Visitors who do not speak English may have difficulty fully engaging with and understanding the tour content.

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Walking Tour?

The tour is a walking tour, so comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Dress in layers, as the tour may encounter varying temperatures and conditions throughout the 90-minute experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to join, though parental discretion is advised for younger participants due to the historical content.

Recap

The Newport’s African American History Walking Tour offers a profound and enlightening exploration of the city’s complex past.

Visitors can explore the harrowing realities faced by enslaved individuals, the resilience and ingenuity of free African Americans, and the significance of the Common Burying Ground.

This comprehensive tour provides a compelling window into Newport’s rich African American heritage and the ongoing legacy of resilience and perseverance.

You can check availability for your dates here: