Philadelphia: Black History Walking Tour & President's House

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/7

Duration2h

GroupUp to 40

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Stories of resilience echo from Liberty Bell to Mother Bethel

You’ll walk Philadelphia’s oldest streets with a local guide who brings Black history to life—from standing outside the President’s House learning about Oney Judge’s escape to pausing in Washington Square Park above unmarked graves. Expect real stories, unexpected laughter, and time to reflect inside Mother Bethel AME Church before ending near the Liberty Bell.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore African-American history in Philadelphia

Start at Independence Visitor's Center
Introduction to Black History colonial period
Visit President’s House and learn about enslaved people
Hear story of Martha Washington's handmaid
Stop at Congo Square for history and burial site
Visit Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Learn about slave owner abduction trial
See Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
Pass by Congress Hall and Washington Square Park
View historical sites including City Tavern and Carpenter's Hall

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the way our guide, Marcus, paused in front of the President’s House. He didn’t rush. He let us stand there, right where nine enslaved people once lived—just steps from Independence Hall. I could hear a busker playing jazz somewhere nearby, which felt odd at first, but then made sense; this is Philadelphia after all. Marcus pointed up at the brickwork and told us about Oney Judge running away. I’d read her name before, but hearing it spoken out loud, with traffic rolling by and someone’s lunch cart sizzling onions down the block—it just hit different.

We moved on through Washington Square Park, where he said free and enslaved Africans are still buried beneath our feet. I kept thinking about that as we walked over the grass—how many stories are literally underfoot here? The air smelled like wet earth (it had rained that morning) and someone nearby was feeding pigeons. There was this moment when Marcus asked if anyone wanted to try saying “Congo Square” in the old way—Li laughed when I tried it and probably butchered it, but nobody seemed to mind. That loosened things up a bit.

Mother Bethel AME Church was quieter than I expected. Inside, you could almost hear your own footsteps echo off the old wood floors. Marcus told us about a woman who fought for her freedom here—and about her rescuers’ trial. It wasn’t some polished museum story; it felt raw and unfinished, like so much of this history still is. We passed Congress Hall and the Liberty Bell Center too (the bell itself has that crack everyone knows), but honestly it’s those smaller moments—the hand on old stone, or a stranger nodding at you—that stick with me most.

What’s included

Your day includes an in-person local guide leading you through Philadelphia’s historic district with accessible routes for wheelchairs or strollers; you’ll explore key sites like Congress Hall, President's House, Liberty Bell Center, Washington Square Park and Mother Bethel AME Church—all within easy reach of public transit if you need it.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by The Black Journey Philadelphia Walking Tour