Newports African American History Walking Tour

The Newport African American History Walking Tour offers an insightful look into the often overlooked contributions of Black individuals in the city’s past. Spanning 90 minutes, the guided experience explores key sites that shed light on the experiences of enslaved people and free Black entrepreneurs. From the Brick Market to the African Union Meeting House, you will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and community that shaped Newport’s history. Concluding at the historic God’s Little Acre, this tour provides a compelling perspective that’s sure to captivate all who take part.

Good To Know

• A 90-minute guided excursion exploring the African American history of Newport, Rhode Island.
• The tour focuses on locations associated with enslaved individuals and free African American enterprises.
• Participants can visit the Museum of Newport History and the Newport Historical Society’s Museum & Shop.
• The tour concludes at God’s Little Acre, a significant African American burial site.
• The tour provides an engaging and informative look at the complex history of African Americans in Newport.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Newport African American History Walking Tour is a 90-minute guided excursion that explores the rich legacy of the city’s people of color.

A 90-minute guided excursion exploring the rich legacy of Newport’s people of color.

It starts at the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market, located at the foot of Washington Square. Tour-goers can check availability for the starting times.

The walking tour focuses on locations where enslaved people lived and labored, as well as sites where free African Americans established enterprises and contributed to the local industry.

The tour concludes at God’s Little Acre in the Common Burying Ground.

Pricing and Booking

The Newport African American History Walking Tour is priced from $20.00 per person.

Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, book their tour, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour experience includes:

1. Expert tour guide

2. Admission to the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market

3. Opportunity to visit Newport Historical Society’s Museum & Shop

4. A 90-minute guided walking tour focusing on African American history in Newport.

The Guided Walking Experience

Although the tour begins at the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market, located at the foot of Washington Square, guests can check the availability of starting times.

The 90-minute guided walking tour focuses on African American history, exploring locations where enslaved people lived and labored, as well as sites where free African Americans established enterprises and contributed to local industry.

The tour concludes at God’s Little Acre in the Common Burying Ground.

Throughout the experience, the expert guide shares the city’s past and present, engaging participants with the history of Newport’s people of color, both enslaved and free.

Exploring Locations of Enslavement

As the tour navigates the city, it sheds light on the lived experiences of those who were enslaved in Newport.

The guide points out locations where enslaved individuals were forced to labor, including:

1. The Brick Market, where enslaved workers toiled in the merchant trade.

2. State Street, where enslaved people lived in cramped quarters.

3. The Colonial Slave Quarters, a preserved structure that housed those in bondage.

4. The Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, a former plantation home that profited from the labor of the enslaved.

The tour confronts this sobering history, inviting participants to reflect on Newport’s complex past.

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Sites of African American Enterprise

Alongside the painful history of enslavement, the walking tour also explores sites where free African Americans established enterprises and contributed to Newport’s local industry.

One such location is the former home of Pompey Champlin, a successful 18th-century businessman who owned a ropemaking operation.

Another is the site of the African Union Meeting House, where a thriving community of free Black residents gathered for worship and civic activities.

The tour highlights the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Newport’s African American population, who overcame systemic barriers to create economic opportunities and shape the city’s cultural landscape.

Concluding at Gods Little Acre

The tour concludes at God’s Little Acre, the historic burial ground in the Common Burying Ground. This sacred space holds the final resting place for many African Americans, both enslaved and free:

1. Established in the 18th century, God’s Little Acre is one of the oldest surviving cemeteries for the Black community in the United States.

2. The simple, unadorned gravestones reflect the lives of those interred – men, women, and children who shaped Newport’s history.

3. Visitors can reflect on the hardships and contributions of the African American community in this serene, final stop on the tour.

4. The tour’s end at God’s Little Acre provides a poignant conclusion to the exploration of Newport’s African American past.

Included Museum Visits

The tour ticket price includes admission to the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market.

The tour ticket price includes admission to the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market.

This museum offers visitors a glimpse into Newport’s past, showcasing the city’s rich history and the contributions of its diverse population. Guests can explore exhibits that highlight the lives and achievements of Newport’s African American community, both enslaved and free.

Plus, the tour provides an opportunity to visit the Newport Historical Society’s Museum & Shop, allowing participants to further enjoy the city’s captivating past.

These included museum visits enhance the overall tour experience, providing a well-rounded understanding of Newport’s African American history.

The Historical Significance

Newport’s African American history walking tour provides a powerful lens through which to engage with the city’s past and present inhabitants.

The tour focuses on the history of Newport’s people of color, both enslaved and free, illuminating their invaluable contributions to the local industry and enterprise.

This experience offers an opportunity to:

1. Explore the sites where enslaved people lived and labored.

2. Visit locations where free African Americans established successful businesses.

3. Discover one of America’s most historically significant cities without interior visits to featured sites.

4. Gain a deeper understanding of Newport’s complex and multifaceted history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s average group size isn’t specified, but it’s likely a small, intimate group to allow for an engaging and personalized experience exploring Newport’s African American history with the expert guide.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounted rates for students and seniors. They can purchase tickets for $18 per person, a $2 savings compared to the standard adult admission.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers private tours that allow groups to personalize the experience based on their specific interests and schedule.

What Language Options Are Available for the Tour?

The tour is offered in English. Private groups may request tours in other languages, such as Spanish or French, but these language options are subject to the availability of specialized guides.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations for Visitors With Disabilities?

The tour offers accessibility accommodations for visitors with disabilities. They provide wheelchairs and have a staff member to assist those who need extra help navigating the walking tour. Visitors should inquire about specific needs when making reservations.

The Sum Up

The Newport African American History Walking Tour offers a profound 90-minute exploration of the significant yet often overlooked contributions of African Americans in Newport’s past. Participants will visit key sites that highlight the experiences of enslaved individuals and free Black entrepreneurs, concluding at God’s Little Acre. This guided tour provides an enlightening perspective on resilience and community in Newport’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here: