The Sacred Ground of 1963: Birmingham’s Civil Rights Struggle
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This isn’t a tour—it’s lived history.
Walk the streets of the most segregated city in America as they were experienced by those who lived through its darkest and most defining hour.
Your guide is Wilhelmina Thomas—storyteller, needlewoman, and “craftivist”—who grew up in Birmingham’s Riley, Wenonah, and Hillman communities. She attended the very schools shaped by this city’s history: Wenonah Elementary, Riley Elementary, and Jones Valley High. Her earliest memories include the church, the civic league, and the Civil Rights Movement itself.
This tour reveals the truth beneath the façade—the daily struggles, the acts of defiance, and the sacred spaces where ordinary people did extraordinary things.
Hear personal accounts of life under Jim Crow
Visit Kelly Ingram Park, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and other landmarks
Reflect at the sites of protest, pain, and perseverance
Includes a free “Witness Packet” digital download for direct bookings
They stood. We walk.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Birmingham
Your tour begins at the corner of 3rd ave and 20th street north and proceeds down 20th street toward 4th Ave North covering the Black contributions to the founding of Birmingham
This leg of the tour covers the 1926 Red Line Zoning laws, the Palm Leaf Hotel, and the Chitlin' Circut.
Options
The Sacred Ground of 1963: Birmingham’s Civil Rights Struggle
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Waste of money
Marciano P,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Tour operator doesn’t reply. Weather was extremely cold and rainy on the day of tour. Wanted to know if tour was pushing through. No reply. I hope Viator gives me a refund
Tour was canceled hours before and no refund provided.
Alexandra K,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00This tour looked great, but has been nothing but a hassle every since booking it on Viator. I booked the tour a day or two in advance in September, and a few hours before the tour, was sent an email that said unfortunately they can't do the tour and provided the options to reschedule or get a refund. Things happen, people get sick, so it was disappointing, but it happens. I reached out to request a refund as I was headed out of town the next day and not able to reschedule. I never heard back. I reached out multiple times over email regarding my refund. Again, no response. I called and spoke with Wolfgang, he answered my call, said he couldn't figure it out on his side, but that he would call me back with an update. Never got a call. I emailed to follow up. Again, no response. It has been 2 months and no refund. Overall just a bad experience and poor customer service. The tour may be great (I don't actually know), but can absolutely say the service and communication is poor and would not book with them, as it can be canceled and you are out for money.
This is an intimate...
Madelin W,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an intimate walking tour of downtown Birmingham with a woman who has lived here her whole life. It’s extremely insightful and very powerful to see the actual locations where so many monumental historic events took place.
Highly recommend
Gunstand99,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were in town just for the day and scheduled the tour for just her and Me. Our guide was fantastic, we saw and learned a lot. I would recommend scheduling if you are in the area.
Reopening our eyes
channing d,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I was in Birmingham with my army son. We wanted to learn more about the city and found this civil rights experience. Being white, and from the north, we had learned much of this in school ... happy to say. However, the connections dim with time. Wilhelmina did a wonderful job explaining the perspective of life in Birmingham during that turbulent decade. She didn't learn the content from Chatgbt. She learned it from life. We appreciate her honest assessment, even on controversial topics. We talked about it several times during the next day. No higher compliment.
1963 Birmingham tour
Pioneer64335878399,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Unfortunately, I was the only person in the tour. It would have been nice to have others who I could have visited with and we could have shared experiences. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we had an interesting conversation during the entire 90 minutes we were together.
Wilhamena is amazing
Brian R,Jul 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wilhamena is extremely knowledgeable, and gave an amazing tour. She’s a Birmingham native and that really adds to the experience.
Enlightening; Touching
Chrysanthia C,Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was leisure, friendly, welcoming, filled with a personal touch, quite informative, interchangeable and flexible. Couldn’t have had a better tour guide.
If only have a few hours in Birmingham…
mrosell,Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and thought provoking tour. Thank you Wilemma for sharing your story and expertise.
History of Birmingham
jonathandZ6583IW,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am well pleased with the manner our guide demonstrated as we toured Birmingham the knowledge of the city’s history was amazing the impact of this day unforgettable
Related Experiences
Operated by The Birmingham Historic Touring Company