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2 Hours | Portland Black History Walking Tour

Overview
Trace 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. You'll meet the Black Yankees who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, gained political influence, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era.

Stepping on granite cobblestones crooked with age — that once saw footfalls from national heroes like Frederick Douglass — you’ll pass storefronts once home to Black-owned barbershops where abolitionists whispered intelligence to Underground Railroad conductors.

Enjoy 2 hours of entertaining and enlightening historical narration over a 1.5-mile route. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, dug through the archives to present an amazing constellation of stories left out of most tours. TripAdvisor named him Portland's #1 guide!
City: Portland
Thu 23 Oct
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $49.00
Thu 23 Oct
Starting at $49.00
Make a reservation
What's Included
10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation)
Two hour fully narrated guided tour.
Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America's third-oldest standing Black church
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
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Pets are not allowed on tours unless medically required.
  • Portland is a hilly city. Participants will walk uphill sometimes, including a staircase of 17 steps.
What To Expect
1
Old Port
Follow Dugan through the Old Port to a historically-Black section on the eastern end of the waterfront, uncovering Black history hidden all around us. You'll hear about the people who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, swung elections, founded houses of worship, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era. Stops include: Lobsterman Park, Exchange Street, Mariner’s Church, US Custom House, Commercial Street, and so many other memorable sites!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (109)
matthewhG2079HE
Mar 2022
The tour guide's depth of knowledge about Maine and passion for Portland's history made this tour worthwhile and enjoyable. If you think of Maine as the whitest state, and that is all you need to know, be prepared to learn a lot!
Response from Host
Mar 2022
The depth and breath of Portland's Black history is simply amazing and I'm so happy to have been able to share some of it with you. I hope you can return for the Women's History Tour or the Hidden Histories Tour!

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