Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Durham is a special site in the African American experience. The city served as a thriving hub of business and commerce, an economic refuge, and a symbol of progress. Visitors like W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington marveled at the city as a model for the black middle class, and it's no wonder why when you learn what Durham's African American population achieved: from the foundation of the largest black-owned company of the 20th Century to the formation of a brick-making juggernaut that physically built much of the city, and much, much more.
Durham also hosts "Parrish Street", the best preserved "black business district" in the country, an attraction that leaves quite the impression.
This tour is hosted by a local historian who wants to share his love of Durham's history with you. Travel between these sites and gain a new perspectives on the triumphs and challenges of Durham's history.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The vast majority of people can take this tour, as it consists of a fairly easy stroll and is wheelchair accessible. However, if you have a very serious condition that could prevent you from travelling outdoors, that would be not recommended.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
A historian-guided tour of Durham's African American History.
Bottled water
What To Expect
Durham
Travelers will encounter a path of sites closely linked to the heart of Durham's African American community, including the W.T Blackwell Factory, the former site of Merrick-Wright Barbershop, Mutual Life Tower, the M&F Bank Building, and much more.
Options
Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to learn more about our city!
I8964OBlydiac,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Andrew was very friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. We have lived here for several years, but learned so many new things that we would never have known without this tour. We will definitely take another one of Andrew’s tours! Thanks! Gave us a new appreciation for our city.
Great learning experience
Kelly D,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Andrew was very knowledgeable on the history and it was a great experience to learn about how African Americans helped to shape parts of Durham as they are today.
Amazing Tour with a Knowledgeable Guide
Dream33791473880,
May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour led by Andrew Nason. It was history brought to life through Andrew's expertise! I'm a Durham native and I know quite a bit about Durham's African American history. However, I learned so much more from Andrew. He made the tour interesting and fun! The tour was easy book with easy accessibility to the meeting point. I would recommend the Durham African American Historic Walking Tour led by Andrew if you're looking for an engaging and fun history lesson.
Valuable Look at African American Success in Durham
bthanson,
May 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fascinating and well done tour focusing on the business accomplishments of the African American leaders in Dirham as well as unionization. Told through stories of individuals and illustrated with buildings and streets downtown. Highly recommended.
Andy gave an amazing run through history
V8667HEaaronz,
Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour! The guide was extremely enthusiastic about black history and ridiculously knowledgeable about the city. The tour was amazing, and we loved every second of it. Ask for Andy when you take this tour!
This was an excellent...
Leon G,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an excellent experience highly recommend the tour. I wish there were more visited locations.
Fascinating downtown walk
933georgiat,
Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extremely knowledgeable guide gave an inspiring tour of downtown! Andy is a brilliant storyteller and sheds light on the important history of Durham that everyone should know.
Andrew N. Is a awesome guide! [African American History]
Michael W,
Oct 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The warm greeting and very friendly demeanor. Our guide was very knowledgeable & even spent a few extra minutes with us after the tour was over. People recognized him from being their guide & took time to stop and chat with him.
Take this your!
Sharon D,
Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very informative, enjoyable tour that highlights the contributions and achievements of Afican Americans in Durham. Our host was very knowledgeable and his delivery of the information quite digestible.
Good Tour!
Emilia C,
Oct 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00He was very polite, considerate and knowledgeable. Very smart and knows his history of the area. Great job!
From $18.00
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