Philadelphia: Black History Walking Tour

Philadelphia’s Black History Walking Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich African American heritage. The 1.5-hour journey takes participants through significant sites on the historic Underground Railroad, shedding light on the experiences of enslaved individuals and the Quaker school’s pioneering efforts to promote integrated education. With high customer ratings and flexible cancellation policies, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening experience for all ages. But beyond the surface, the tour uncovers a deeper narrative that challenges preconceptions and invites a thoughtful examination of the city’s complex past.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour walking tour focuses on Philadelphia’s African American heritage and history, including key sites on the Historic Underground Railroad.
• Visitors will learn about the Quaker school that educated Black and white students together and gain insights into the experiences of enslaved people and abolitionists.
• The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles, visiting notable landmarks such as Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and the Old London Coffee Shop.
• The tour is accessible to all ages and mobility levels, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Customers have praised the tour for its informative content and historical insights, offering good value for the $35 per person price.

Tour Overview

The Philadelphia: Black History Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich African American heritage.

Priced at $35 per person, this 1.5-hour English-language tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to walk in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, and historic figures.

The tour includes visits to key locations along the Historic Underground Railroad, as well as significant sites in both American and Philadelphia history, such as Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and the First U.S. Supreme Court Building.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour provides a flexible and accessible way for visitors to discover Philadelphia’s compelling Black history.

Experience Highlights

This walking tour allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, and historic figures. It explores significant sites in both American and Philadelphia history, including the Historic Underground Railroad. Participants will visit notable landmarks such as Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and the First U.S. Supreme Court Building.

Experience Highlights
Walk key locations along the Historic Underground Railroad	Explore significant sites in both American and Philadelphia history
Visit unmarked graves of yellow fever victims at Congo Square	Tour includes notable landmarks such as Independence Hall and Congress Hall
Learn about the Quaker school educating Black and White students together	Walk approximately 1.5 miles on cobblestoned streets

Detailed Itinerary

The walking tour starts at Congo Square, where participants learn about the unmarked graves of yellow fever victims.

Next, they’ll visit a Quaker school that educated Black and white students together, which was groundbreaking at the time.

The guide shares stories of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 and emancipation efforts in the city.

Participants then walk to historical locations like the Old London Coffee Shop and the Philadelphia Prison Site, covering about 1.5 miles on cobblestoned streets.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides insight into both American and Philadelphia history, highlighting the experiences of enslaved people, abolitionists, and other notable figures.

Meeting Information

Participants meet at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Look for a sign that says "The Black Journey" to identify the tour guide. The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles on cobblestoned streets, exploring significant sites in American and Philadelphia history.

Meeting Point	Guide Identification	Tour Duration	Tour Distance	Language
Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106	"The Black Journey" sign	1.5 hours	1.5 miles	English

The walking tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to walk in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, and historic figures while learning about the city’s rich Black history.

Customer Feedback

Based on the reviews, customers have generally been satisfied with the Philadelphia: Black History Walking Tour. The tour boasts an impressive 4.8/5 overall rating from 6 reviews.

Customers have praised the informative content, with one reviewer noting the appreciation for learning about the city’s "American and Philadelphia history."

However, a few have mentioned issues with timeliness and tour length. Specifically:

• The tour includes walking approximately 1.5 miles on cobblestoned streets, which some may find challenging.
• A couple of reviews indicate the tour could be longer to cover more ground.
• Customers generally felt the tour provided good value for the $35 per person price.
• The service and organization of the tour have been rated highly at 5/5.

Historical Context

Philadelphia’s rich Black history stretches back centuries, encompassing the experiences of enslaved people, abolitionists, and other historic figures who left an indelible mark on the city and the nation.

The walking tour explores key sites along the Historic Underground Railroad, where brave individuals risked their lives to escape slavery and fight for freedom. Visitors will learn about the Quaker school that educated Black and white students together, and hear stories of the Fugitive Slave Act and emancipation efforts.

The tour also highlights significant landmarks like Independence Hall and the First U.S. Supreme Court Building, providing a deeper understanding of Philadelphia’s central role in America’s struggle for racial justice.

Important Landmarks

The tour takes visitors to some of Philadelphia’s most significant landmarks related to Black history. Participants will explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and Congress Hall, the meeting place of the first U.S. Congress.

The tour also includes:

• The First U.S. Supreme Court Building, where the nation’s highest court first convened
• The Old London Coffee Shop, a hub for abolitionists and activists in the 19th century
• The Philadelphia Prison Site, a reminder of the city’s role in the incarceration of enslaved people
• Congo Square, an unmarked burial ground for victims of the yellow fever epidemic.

These historic sites provide a window into Philadelphia’s complex past and its central role in the struggle for Black freedom and equality.

Accessibility and Inclusions

The walking tour is accessible to participants of all ages and mobility levels. The 1.5-hour journey covers approximately 1 mile on cobblestoned streets, allowing guests to explore the historic sites at a leisurely pace.

The tour is conducted in English and provides a rundown of Philadelphia’s rich Black history. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the knowledgeable guide, who’s readily identifiable by a "The Black Journey" sign.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those with changing schedules. The Philadelphia Black History Walking Tour offers an immersive and inclusive experience for visitors seeking to connect with the city’s remarkable past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

No specific dress code is mentioned for the tour. Visitors should dress comfortably for walking about 1.5 miles on cobblestoned streets in the city. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups, allowing for a more personalized experience. Customers can contact the tour provider to discuss their preferences and specific needs for their group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, many walking tours in the area offer reduced rates for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring about any available discounts when booking the Philadelphia: Black History Walking Tour.

What Should Participants Bring With Them on the Tour?

Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water. They may also want to bring a small backpack or tote to carry any personal items during the 1.5-hour tour on cobblestone streets.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Tour?

There are no explicit photography restrictions on the tour. However, participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s advised to check with the guide before taking photos at certain sites.

Recap

The Philadelphia: Black History Walking Tour offers an engaging and informative exploration of the city’s African American heritage. Covering significant sites on the Historic Underground Railroad, the tour provides valuable insights into the experiences of enslaved individuals and the Quaker school’s pioneering role in integrated education. With high customer ratings and flexible cancellation policies, it’s an enriching experience for visitors of all ages seeking to deepen their understanding of this important history.