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

Mon 24 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Mon 24 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)

Capree H

Oct 2022

Great Tour! Dugan did an EXCELLENT job uncovering and highlighting the "hidden" history and accomplishments of African-American Mainers. I learned much more than I expected and continued to research the African-American influence in Maine even after the tour ended. This is a don't miss activity in Portland!

Response from Host

Oct 2022

These are indeed amazing stories and I am honored to be able to share them with you. Thank you for joining the walk through my hometown and seeing these sights with our intrepid group. And thank you for reviewing your experience!

Jayne F

Oct 2022

Fascinating black history of Portland itself and across the country. Certainly makes you think and ask how much has changed. Excellent guided walk.

Response from Host

Oct 2022

There is a deep, rich history in Portland of Black folks who have inspiring stories. Thank you for walking around my hometown and seeing the spots where they made history. And thank you for writing a review!

Zachary_S

Oct 2022

Dugan was an incredible and knowledgeable guide. I learned so much from him and the sites he took us too!

Response from Host

Oct 2022

Thanks for the review! I also find these stories incredible and I am so excited, on every tour, to stand in the presence of these landmarks where they took place so many years ago.