Durham African American History Tour

Durham’s African American History Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s past. Led by knowledgeable local historians, this 1-hour guided experience delves into the legacy of "Black Wall Street," showcasing the contributions of architects, artists, and entrepreneurs. With stops at iconic sites like the Ella West Gallery and Mechanics and Farmers Bank, the tour provides an engaging narrative that sheds light on Durham’s rich African American heritage. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this wheelchair-accessible tour promises to uncover…

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Good To Know

The Durham African American History Tour is a 1-hour guided tour highlighting the historic "Black Wall Street" in Durham, North Carolina.
The tour includes visits to significant sites like the Ella West Gallery, Merrick-Wright Barbers, Mutual Life Insurance Company, and Mechanics and Farmers Bank.
The tour is led by a local historian and emphasizes the stories of architects, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs who contributed to Durham’s African American community.
The tour is wheelchair-accessible and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance with no upfront payment required.
The tour provides an engaging narrative and insights into the rich African American history and contributions in Durham.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Durham African American History Tour offers participants a chance to explore the city’s rich Black heritage. Priced from $16 per person, the 1-hour guided tour showcases Durham’s historic "Black Wall Street" and significant sites like the Ella West Gallery and Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Led by a local historian, the wheelchair-accessible tour delves into Durham’s role as a symbol of hope during Reconstruction. Travelers can book with no upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Positive reviews praise the guide’s expertise, detailed explanations, and the tour’s focus on architects, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs.

Looking for more options in Durham North Carolina? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking Information

Travelers can book the Durham African American History Tour with no upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

To reserve a spot, visitors simply need to check availability and confirm the starting times. This flexible booking policy allows travelers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

The tour can be booked directly online, providing a hassle-free experience. With no upfront costs and the option to cancel, the Durham African American History Tour makes it easy for visitors to explore the city’s rich Black history.

Tour Highlights

Guided by a local historian, the Durham African American History Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s Black Wall Street, exploring why Durham became a symbol of hope during Reconstruction.

Participants will visit significant sites, including:

The Ella West Gallery, highlighting the contributions of local artists.
Merrick-Wright Barbers, a historic barbershop that served as a gathering place for the community.
The Mutual Life Insurance Company, a pioneering African American-owned business.
The Mechanics and Farmers Bank, a financial institution that supported the growth of Black-owned enterprises.

Throughout the tour, the focus is on the architects, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs who shaped Durham’s rich African American history.

Tour Experience

As participants embark on the Durham African American History Tour, they’re immersed in a guided exploration of the city’s historic sites. The knowledgeable tour guide leads the group through downtown, sharing insightful narratives about the architects, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs who shaped Durham’s Black Wall Street. While access to the interiors of some historic buildings may be limited due to private ownership, the tour provides a comprehensive look at the sites’ significance. Though bottled water isn’t provided, the engaging discussions and detailed explanations make for a captivating experience.

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More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Ella West Gallery

One of the stops on the Durham African American History Tour is the Ella West Gallery. This gallery showcases the works of local Black artists, highlighting their contributions to the community.

Visitors can expect to:

Visitors can expect to admire the vibrant artworks that celebrate Durham’s rich African American heritage.

Admire the vibrant paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces that depict Durham’s rich African American heritage.
Learn about the gallery’s mission to promote and support Black artists in the region.
Engage with the knowledgeable staff who can provide insights into the featured artworks and artists.
Discover how the Ella West Gallery serves as a hub for cultural exploration and appreciation.

Exploring Merrick-Wright Barbers

The Merrick-Wright Barbers shop stands as a testament to Durham’s rich African American history. This iconic barbershop, founded in the early 20th century, served as a gathering place for the community.

Visitors learn how the business weathered Jim Crow segregation and flourished during the era of Durham’s "Black Wall Street." The tour guide shares stories of the skilled barbers who honed their craft here, catering to a clientele that included local luminaries and civil rights leaders.

Today, the well-preserved storefront offers a glimpse into the vibrant commercial district that once thrived, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of Durham’s African American community.

Discovering Mutual Life Insurance Company

Nestled within Durham’s historic Parrish Street, the Mutual Life Insurance Company building stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the city’s African American community. Founded in 1898, the Mutual Life Insurance Company was one of the first Black-owned and operated insurance firms in the United States.

The tour highlights:

The company’s role in providing affordable life insurance policies to the local African American population.
The architectural significance of the building, designed in the Neoclassical style to project an air of professionalism and stability.
The company’s contributions to the economic empowerment of Durham’s Black residents.
The building’s ongoing legacy as a symbol of Black entrepreneurship and community resilience.

Examining Mechanics and Farmers Bank

As visitors continue their journey through Durham’s historic Parrish Street, they can’t miss the striking presence of the Mechanics and Farmers Bank building. This early 20th-century structure symbolizes the entrepreneurial spirit of the Black community during the Jim Crow era. Established in 1908, the bank catered to the financial needs of African Americans, providing loans and mortgages when mainstream institutions denied them. Today, the building stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Durham’s Black business leaders. Its legacy continues to inspire the community.

| Year Established | 1908 |

| — | — |

| Founders | John Merrick, Aaron McDuffie Moore |

| Purpose | Provide banking services to African Americans |

| Current Status | Preserved as a historic site |

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The tour is open to participants of all ages, and it accommodates wheelchair users, making it accessible to visitors from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks. However, the tour doesn’t provide bottled water, so it’s recommended to bring your own water or other beverages to stay hydrated during the 1-hour walking tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, visitors should be courteous and respectful, avoiding disrupting the guide or other participants. Some private properties may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide beforehand.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Historic Site Visit?

The tour guide allocates around 10-15 minutes for each historic site visit, allowing participants to explore and learn about the significance of each location. The pace of the tour is designed to provide an engaging and informative experience within the one-hour duration.

Are There Options for Private or Group Tours?

The tour offers private and group options. Group tours are available, and private tours can be arranged upon request for a customized experience. Prices and availability may vary for private tours.

The Sum Up

The Durham African American History Tour provides an engaging and informative 1-hour experience that highlights the rich heritage and significant contributions of the African American community in Durham. Led by a knowledgeable local historian, the tour offers visitors a chance to explore historic sites, discover the stories of influential architects, artists, and entrepreneurs, and gain a deeper appreciation for Durham’s vibrant African American history.

You can check availability for your dates here: