Discover the untold stories of Black Portlanders who shaped the city’s history on a 2-hour walking tour. Trace their footsteps and learn about their contributions to freedom, equality, and political influence.
- Old Port - We’ll walk through Portland’s Old Port and a historically-Black section of the East End neighborhood, uncovering Black history hidden all around us. Highlights include: First Parish Church, Lobsterman Park, Exchange Street, Mariner’s Church, US Custom House, India Street, Abyssinian Meeting House, Green Memorial AMEZ Church, Portland Observatory, Eastern Cemetery, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- 10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation)
- Two hour fully narrated guided tour
- Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America’s third-oldest standing Black church
- A tip for your guide!
Follow the course of history by tracing the paths of the African-Americans in Portland who advanced the city, the state, and the nation towards the principles of independence, democracy, liberty, and fairness. Black prowess and knowledge played a significant role in Maine’s initial settlements. During this journey, you’ll encounter the stories of African-American Yankees who laid the foundation of Maine, abolished slavery regionally, propelled our seafaring industries, accrued political power, defied racial barriers, and broadened the rights of Mainers in contemporary times.
Strolling on time-worn granite cobblestones — once trodden by national icons such as Frederick Douglass — you’ll traverse past shops which once housed African-American-owned barber establishments, where anti-slavery activists discreetly shared information with operators of the Underground Railroad.
With a duration of 2 hours, you will be engaged in 1.5 miles of fascinating historical narration. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, meticulously researched the archives to curate a series of amazing tales usually sidestepped in conventional tours. TripAdvisor has lauded him as Portland’s foremost guide!
- Pets are not allowed on tours unless medically required.
- Portland is a hilly city. Participants will walk uphill sometimes, including a staircase of 17 steps.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
