Philadelphia is rich with early African American history and sites that will unfold on this 3 hour walking tour.

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African-American Philadelphia Tour - walking tour

Philadelphia is rich with early African American history.  Our journey will showcases such locations as Washington Square, once known as “Congo Square” by African Americans and served as an auction block where slaves were sold and where Free Blacks gathered; Elfreth’s Alley, home to many free blacks; London Coffee House site, gathering place for prospective buyers of newly arrived enslaved Africans; Willings Alley, site of 1^st school for black children in U.S.

A highlight will be a visit to the Liberty Bell, the most cherished symbol of American freedom and whose nickname originated from a poem written by an abolitionist group who used this bell as a symbol because of the Biblical inscription it bears, Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto to all the inhabitants thereof.  Adjacent to the Liberty Bell Center, we will see the President’s House Commemorative Site.  This site will commemorate the nine slaves that were enslaved to George Washington while living in the Philadelphia when it served as the Federal capital (1790-1800).

We will also see* Independence Hall and Congress Hall, respectively home to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, and where Congress enacted the Fugitive Slave Law and the Slave Trade Act. 

We will visit Mother Bethel AME Church for a docent-led tour.  Founded by Richard Allen in 1792, the site is the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in America and is the oldest piece of property in the U.S. continuously owned by African Americans.  It is also the site of the founding of the Free African Society by Reverend Allen, Absalom Jones and James Forten. Along the way, guests will learn about other sites of significant African American culture and significance that are not within viewing distance of this tour, such as: All Wars Memorial To Colored Soldiers & Sailors, A Quest for Parity: The Octavius V. Catto Memorial and the Philadelphia Museum of Art -- the first major buildings in the U.S. where an African American played a major role in its design; as well as stories relating to the roles of great African Americans from Philadelphia.

NOTE *Certain conditions dictate the number of sites seen such as weather, security clearance lines and speed at which the group moves from one point to another.  This tour requires walking for periods of time. Your guide will incorporate a rest stop during this tour.  LIMITED REST ROOM FACILITIES DURING THIS TOUR


DEPARTURE TIME / LOCATION
The tour will depart from outside the Philadelphia Visitor Center -- corner of 6th & Market Streets -- OUTSIDE to the front/right side of the entrance doors.  Guests will be responsible for arriving at the departure site on their own -- approx. 9-12 minute walk from the Downtown Marriott at 12th St. 

Check-in with your guide will begin at 9:45A
The tour will depart at 10:00A promptly (there are no refunds for missed tours)