There’s growing interest in African American heritage tours. These trips offer a way to learn about key figures in the civil rights movement and other pivotal times in Black history. Here is an overview of five destinations to consider visiting when planning a group tour.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560
- Highlights include virtual exhibitions, online collections, digital resources.
- More than 85,000 square feet of exhibition space.
- Admission is free, though timed entry passes are required on certain days and times.
For more information, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/plan.
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Address: 1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee, Alabama 36083
- The public can visit the hangar museums free of charge.
- Includes memorabilia and audio stories of the men and women who challenged military segregation.
- Operated by the National Park Service.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/tuai/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
Nicodemus National Historic Site
Address: 304 Washington Ave., Bogue, Kansas 67625
- Mass migration led to the establishment of the town of Nicodemus, one of the earliest settlements of the Great Plains by African Americans during the postwar westward expansion.
- No entry fee; operated by the National Park Service.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/nico/index.htm.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Address: 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
- Shows the workings of the legendary underground railroad network
- The center has reopened with modified hours, enhanced cleaning protocols, and timed ticketing to keep capacity at or below 25%.
- The center offers online exhibits.
- Admission to the Freedom Center is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $10.50 for children 3-12.
For more information, visit https://freedomcenter.org.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Address: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St. North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
- First of its kind to preserve the history and narratives of the people who fought on both sides of the civil rights movement.
- See the cell that held Martin Luther King Jr.
- Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for college students and military with ID, $13 for seniors and children in fourth through 12th grades. Online ticketing and reservations required.
For more information, visit https://www.bcri.org/visit-us/.
Museum of African-American History
Address: 46 Joy St., Boston, Massachusetts 02114
- Goes in-depth about Frederick Douglass and his impact.
- Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors.
- A current display is an exhibit exploring Boston’s contribution to the jazz scene.
For more information, visit https://www.maah.org/#.
Related: Bus station to reopen as Freedom Riders national monument
