Philadelphia’s Black History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Philadelphia is known as the foundation of the nation. Its identity was shaped by the contributions of Black Americans whose stories go untold. On this walking tour, you’ll hear their powerful and inspiring stories. I’ll tell you about the lives of enslaved individuals who sought freedom, including Ona Judge, whose escape defied the odds. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and discover their connections to Black Americans’ fight for freedom and justice. This Black history tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city’s rich heritage. Walk in the footsteps of those who lived through struggle and triumph, and connect with Philadelphia’s legacy in a profound and personal way. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a celebration of resilience, a deep dive into history, and a must-do experience for anyone visiting Philadelphia.

1. 1

   Benjamin Franklin Museum

   Pass by

   The Benjamin Franklin House site highlights Franklin’s contributions to American independence while also reflecting the complexities of early American society, including its ties to slavery. Though Franklin later became a prominent abolitionist, his earlier involvement with enslaved labor underscores the contradictions within the nation’s founding ideals.

2. 2

   The President's House

   Pass by

   The President's House site in Philadelphia served as the executive mansion for Presidents George Washington and John Adams, where nine enslaved Africans lived and labored under Washington’s presidency. It stands today as a powerful reminder of the contradictions between the nation's founding ideals of freedom and the realities of slavery, honoring the lives of those who resisted bondage.

3. 3

   Liberty Bell Center

   Pass by

   The Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom, was adopted by abolitionists in the 19th century as a rallying cry for the end of slavery. Its inscription, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land," highlighted the contradiction between America’s ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery. Admission is free.

4. 4

   Independence Hall

   Pass by

   We will pass by Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, shaping the nation’s foundation. For Black history, it symbolizes both the promise of freedom and the contradictions of a nation built on ideals of liberty while maintaining slavery.

5. 5

   Congress Hall

   Pass by

   We will pass by Congress Hall in Philadelphia served as the meeting place for the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, where pivotal decisions about the nation’s early laws and governance were made. During this time, debates over slavery and the rights of free Black people highlighted the contradictions between the ideals of liberty and the realities of racial inequality in America.

6. 6

   Stop 6

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   Congo Square in Philadelphia, now known as Washington Square, was a gathering place for free and enslaved African Americans in the 18th century. It served as a site for cultural expression, community building, and resistance, reflecting the resilience and rich heritage of Philadelphia’s Black community.

7. 7

   Washington Square

   Pass by

   On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, which honors the 5,000 Black patriots who fought during the American Revolutionary War.

8. 8

   Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church

   Pass by

   We will pass by Mother Bethel AME Church, founded in 1794 by Richard Allen, is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the United States and a cornerstone of Black resilience and faith. It served as a spiritual, cultural, and political hub for African Americans, playing a vital role in the fight against slavery and the pursuit of civil rights.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.