Philadelphia’s Black history is a rich tapestain that’s often overlooked. But now, there’s a way to uncover this vital past through a self-guided audio tour. With GPS-enabled navigation and offline access, you can explore iconic landmarks at your own pace, uncovering the resilience and contributions of the city’s Black community. From the hallowed halls of Mother Bethel AME Church to the Free African Society, this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time and shed new light on Philadelphia’s enduring legacy.
Key Points
- A self-guided audio tour that explores Philadelphia’s rich Black history at one’s own pace, available in English with offline capabilities.
- Covers landmarks like Mother Bethel AME Church and the Free African Society, highlighting the resilience and contributions of the Black community.
- Priced at $11.99 per person with flexible cancellation and reserve now, pay later options from January 2025 to March 2026.
- Tour starts at North Front Street and Market Street and ends at Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, providing convenient access to historic Black neighborhoods.
- Available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, with GPS-enabled navigation and recommended confirmation of start time with the local provider.
Tour Overview and Features
The self-guided audio tour of Philadelphia’s Black history offers a flexible and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage at their own pace.
Available in English with lifetime access, the tour features offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of internet connectivity.
Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, the tour provides the freedom to discover Philadelphia’s Black history at one’s convenience, with the option to revisit the content before and after the booking.
The tour’s GPS-enabled flexibility enables users to navigate the city’s landmarks and sites at their preferred rhythm.
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Pricing and Booking Information
The starting price for the self-guided audio tour of Philadelphia’s Black history is $11.99 per person.
Booking the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Customers can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility.
The tour is available from January 7, 2025, to March 19, 2026, and can be accessed daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
Attendees should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance. Confirmation is received at booking, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
This private tour doesn’t include tickets, entrance fees, food, drink, or transportation.
Meeting and End Points
The tour begins at the corner of North Front Street and Market Street in Philadelphia, PA 19106.
The tour commences at the intersection of North Front Street and Market Street in Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Detailed instructions are available after downloading the app.
The tour ends at the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, 401 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Participants have the flexibility to explore at their own pace using the app’s GPS functionality.
The start and end points are conveniently located, allowing seamless navigation through the city’s historic Black neighborhoods.
Attendees can easily access the tour’s features, including offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, enhancing their self-guided experience.
Tour Availability and Hours
Although the tour is available from January 7, 2025, to March 19, 2026, it operates daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM. This flexibility allows visitors to explore Philadelphia’s Black history at their own convenience. To ensure a seamless experience, it’s recommended to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance.
| Start Date | End Date |
| — | — |
| January 7, 2025 | March 19, 2026 |
| Tour Hours |
| — |
| 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Open Daily |
Highlights of the Audio Tour
As visitors embark on the self-guided audio tour, they can expect to uncover a rich tapestry of Philadelphia’s Black history.
The tour highlights landmarks like the Mother Bethel AME Church, founded by Richard Allen, a pioneering figure in the abolitionist movement. Participants will learn about the Free African Society, one of the earliest Black mutual aid organizations in the United States.
The audio also explores the legacy of the Octavius Catto, a civil rights activist who fought for desegregation of Philadelphia’s public transportation.
Throughout the tour, users gain insights into the resilience and contributions of Philadelphia’s Black community.
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Exploring Philadelphia’s Black History
Philadelphia’s Black history is a tapestry of resilience, determination, and profound contributions that have indelibly shaped the city’s cultural landscape.
Exploring this rich legacy, visitors can discover:
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The resilience of the Underground Railroad, which guided countless enslaved individuals to freedom.
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The trailblazing achievements of African American leaders, such as Octavius Catto, who fought for civil rights and social justice.
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The vibrant artistic expression of the Harlem Renaissance, which found resonance in Philadelphia’s thriving cultural scene.
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The enduring legacy of community-driven organizations, like the African American Museum in Philadelphia, that preserve and celebrate Black heritage.
Getting the Most From Your Self-Guided Experience
How can visitors make the most of this self-guided audio tour of Philadelphia’s Black history?
First, download the app in advance and familiarize yourself with its features. The offline access to audio, maps, and geodata allows you to explore at your own pace without worrying about cellular data.
Take advantage of the flexibility to start and stop the tour as needed. Along the way, don’t just listen passively – engage with the content, pause to take in the sites, and reflect on the stories.
With lifetime access, you can revisit the tour anytime to deepen your understanding of Philadelphia’s rich Black heritage.
The Sum Up
Explore Philadelphia’s rich Black history through a self-guided audio tour that takes you on a captivating journey. With GPS-enabled navigation and offline access, you can discover iconic landmarks like Mother Bethel AME Church and the Free African Society at your own pace. This immersive experience runs from January 7, 2025, to March 19, 2026, offering a flexible and educational way to explore the resilience and contributions of the Black community.
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