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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
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
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
They didn't show up, got a refund.
Michael D,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00They never showed up! The meeting point is in a stupid and illogical location...literally at the end of a random alley! I stayed at the location 10 minutes before start of tour and 15 minutes afterwards and nobody showed up. Very unprofessional from the company. Issued a complaint and got a refund. They didn't even explain why the tour didn't go ahead.
April 2025 tour - Five Stars
vickicI1722AZ,
May 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Wilhemina, was so knowledgeable. She is a long-time resident of Birmingham and has given the tour to many guests. The tour was at a comfortable pace and included many lesser known sights as well as key locations. Seeing the theaters and current cultural sights was an appreciated addition. Highly recommended.
From $65.00
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Operated by The Birmingham Historic Touring Company