2 Hours | Portland Black History Walking Tour

Overview

Take a guided walk tracing the steps of the Black Portlanders who moved our city, state, and country closer to the ideals of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and equality. Maine’s earliest settlements couldn’t have existed without Black labor, skill, and insight—and since those first moments, Black Yankees have agitated and organized to resist indignity and realize power. You'll meet the people who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, gained political influence, founded houses of worship, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era.

The Portland Black History Tour includes 2 hours of entertaining and enlightening historical narration over a 1.5-mile route through the Old Port and East End neighborhood. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, dug through piles of research and historic documents to present an amazing constellation of stories left out of most tours.

City: Portland

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Two hour fully narrated guided tour.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pets are not allowed on tours unless medically required.
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
Masks are optional, but encouraged for non-vaccinated guests. You should bring a face covering in the event your tour group is invited inside a historic building for an impromptu visit or for use if you’d like while walking outside.

What To Expect

Old Port

We'll walk through Portland's Old Port and Waterfront Districts—and pop over into the East End for a bit, too—uncovering Black history along the way. *Highlights include:* First Parish Church, Lobsterman Park, Exchange Street, Mariner’s Church, Boothby Square, Commercial Street waterfront, India Street, Abyssinian Meeting House, Green Memorial Church, Portland Observatory, Eastern Cemetery, North School, St. Paul’s Church, Portland High School, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (50)

Lois B

Nov 2022

I highly recommend the Portland Black History Tour. I learned so much about the overlooked contributions of the Black citizens of Portland and Maine. Dugan was great -- informed, sincerely interested in the material, and readily answered all questions. It was a great way to spend an afternoon. A very positive experience. Thank you Portland by Foot. Thank you Dugan.

Response from Host

Nov 2022

There is so much interesting and inspiring Black history in Portland that I can't possibly fit it all in a two-hour tour. When guests ask questions, that often brings up some of that additional information. And I am excited to share it when folks are interested. Thank you so much for choosing this tour and for taking the time to review your experience!

Olivia_B

Nov 2022

Dougan was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour. The information that Dougan was very well researched and presented in a very accessible way.

Response from Host

Nov 2022

Thanks for the review! Portland's past is so rich with Black history that there are a million amazing and inspiring stories to tell. Yet so little time! I really appreciate you choosing this tour during your visit to my hometown.

davesY8955SG

Nov 2022

After reading the many positive reviews about this tour, my husband and I were intrigued. We made it a point to stop in Portland (on our way to Bar Harbor) just so we could take this tour. Although it was a rainy (liquid sunshine) day, Dugan met us promptly at the appointed time. During our walk, he shared with us a tremendous amount of information (pictures, buildings, monuments) about the contributions African Americans made in the Portland area. He is very well informed, personable, and invites questions. If you are ever in the Portland area or simply passing through Portland on your way to another location, take advantage of this tour. You will NOT regret it!!!!!

Response from Host

Nov 2022

I had such a great time sharing stories with you from Portland's Black history. I'm honored that you went out of your way to include this tour on your trip and I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it so much. Thank you for taking the time to share a review and a photo.