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Philadelphia’s Black History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Philadelphia’s Black History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Overview

Philadelphia is known as the foundation of the nation. Its identity was shaped by the contributions of Black Americans whose stories go untold.

On this walking tour, you’ll hear their powerful and inspiring stories. I’ll tell you about the lives of enslaved individuals who sought freedom, including Ona Judge, whose escape defied the odds. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and discover their connections to Black Americans’ fight for freedom and justice.

This Black history tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city’s rich heritage. Walk in the footsteps of those who lived through struggle and triumph, and connect with Philadelphia’s legacy in a profound and personal way.

This isn’t just a tour — it’s a celebration of resilience, a deep dive into history, and a must-do experience for anyone visiting Philadelphia.

City: Philadelphia

Sun 15 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

Sun 15 Jun

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Benjamin Franklin Museum

The Benjamin Franklin House site highlights Franklin’s contributions to American independence while also reflecting the complexities of early American society, including its ties to slavery. Though Franklin later became a prominent abolitionist, his earlier involvement with enslaved labor underscores the contradictions within the nation’s founding ideals.

The President's House

The President's House site in Philadelphia served as the executive mansion for Presidents George Washington and John Adams, where nine enslaved Africans lived and labored under Washington’s presidency. It stands today as a powerful reminder of the contradictions between the nation's founding ideals of freedom and the realities of slavery, honoring the lives of those who resisted bondage.

Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom, was adopted by abolitionists in the 19th century as a rallying cry for the end of slavery. Its inscription, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land," highlighted the contradiction between America’s ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery. Admission is free.

Independence Hall

We will pass by Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, shaping the nation’s foundation. For Black history, it symbolizes both the promise of freedom and the contradictions of a nation built on ideals of liberty while maintaining slavery.

Congress Hall

We will pass by Congress Hall in Philadelphia served as the meeting place for the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, where pivotal decisions about the nation’s early laws and governance were made. During this time, debates over slavery and the rights of free Black people highlighted the contradictions between the ideals of liberty and the realities of racial inequality in America.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, which honors the 5,000 Black patriots who fought during the American Revolutionary War.

Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church

We will pass by Mother Bethel AME Church, founded in 1794 by Richard Allen, is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the United States and a cornerstone of Black resilience and faith. It served as a spiritual, cultural, and political hub for African Americans, playing a vital role in the fight against slavery and the pursuit of civil rights.

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