Walking African American Tour of Historic Neighborhood of Shaw
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Journey into Shaw’s storied past on a tour of one of the most diverse and architecturally rich neighborhoods in Washington DC.
Setting off from the African American Civil War Memorial, you will be led past colorful houses of all shapes and sizes while learning about the lives of the original residents, many of whom were people of color. Their stories offer illuminating, and crucial, insight into the history of the country and its capital: some residents were slaves who fled from the South and were put in contraband camps; others were born free, living a life envied by Black people around the country, with government jobs that paid a good wage.
Along the way, you’ll stop at important landmarks in African American history, including the memorial and the Victorian-style row house of Carter G Woodson, a prominent historian, Harvard graduate and founder of Black History Month in America, as well as the Howard Theater, known as the first Black theater in the US. Throughout the tour, your host will introduce you to the world behind the memorials of Washington DC, taking in the shops, restaurants, businesses and people who have shaped the city. You’ll round off the tour at the African American Civil War Museum, before finishing up with a chili dog at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant.
Setting off from the African American Civil War Memorial, you will be led past colorful houses of all shapes and sizes while learning about the lives of the original residents, many of whom were people of color. Their stories offer illuminating, and crucial, insight into the history of the country and its capital: some residents were slaves who fled from the South and were put in contraband camps; others were born free, living a life envied by Black people around the country, with government jobs that paid a good wage.
Along the way, you’ll stop at important landmarks in African American history, including the memorial and the Victorian-style row house of Carter G Woodson, a prominent historian, Harvard graduate and founder of Black History Month in America, as well as the Howard Theater, known as the first Black theater in the US. Throughout the tour, your host will introduce you to the world behind the memorials of Washington DC, taking in the shops, restaurants, businesses and people who have shaped the city. You’ll round off the tour at the African American Civil War Museum, before finishing up with a chili dog at Ben’s Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant.
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Duration
This tour will be 2 Hours.
Start Time
Starts at: 9:30 AM.
Availability
Saturday, Sunday
Ideal For
Students, Corporate Team Building, Work From Home Learning, Family Reunions.
Where We'll Stop:
1.
Carter G Woodson Home Carter G Woodson, a prominent historian, Harvard graduate, and founder of Black History Month in America, as well as the Howard Theater - known as the first Black theater in the US.
2.
Ben’s Chili Bowl Ben’s Chili Bowl is a prominent and culturally significant landmark restaurant in Shaw, which is famous for its chili dogs and murals.
3.
African American Civil War Museum Discover the largely untold stories of African American Civil War heroes, soldiers, pioneers, and historically important figures.
Drive-By Locations:
1.
Local Businesses & Shops Learn more about the world behind the memorials of Washington DC, taking in the shops, restaurants, businesses, and people who have shaped the city.
2.
Mary Church Terrell Home Mary Church Terrell, a late 19th and early 20th-century women's rights suffragist and African-American equal rights activist, used to live in this historic neighborhood. We will visit the site of her home.
3.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Home Paul Laurence Dunbar, the son of freed slaves from Kentucky, is regarded as one of the most influential early African-American poets in American history.
4.
Howard University A historically and culturally significant university, and is one of the first congressionally-recognized African-American research universities.
5.
Emancipation Park Unveiled in 2003, Emancipation Park and its looming 11-foot landmark statue, Redemption Song, serve as a symbol of triumph over the horrors of slavery.
What To Bring:
1.
Comfortable walking shoes
2.
Weather-appropriate clothing
3.
Cash for foods & drinks
Where To Meet:
This tour begins at the African American Civil War Museum, located at 1925 Vermont Ave NW.
Additional Information:
1.
Your tour guide is a knowledgeable local historian who's lived in Washington D.C. his entire life, and will give your questions personalized attention.
2.
You will have the opportunity to go into several local shops, restaurants, and other businesses along the tour.
Related Tours:
All Tours
Virtual
In-Person
From
$40 USD
Per person ($30 / children under 12)
COVID-19 Precautions
Socially-distanced and masked tour guide.
Free Cancellations
Cancellations prior to 48 hours receive a full refund.
In-Person Live Tour Guide
This is a live, guided tour by a local historian.
Daytime Tour
This tour takes place during the morning and afternoon.
