Philadelphia’s Black History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   The Benjamin Franklin House highlights Franklin’s role in American independence and reveals the complexities of early American society, including its ties to slavery. Though Franklin later became an abolitionist, his early involvement with enslaved labor shows the contradictions at the nation’s core.

2. Stop 2 Pass by

   The President's House in Philadelphia was home to Presidents George Washington and John Adams, where nine enslaved Africans worked under Washington. Today, it stands as a reminder of the contradictions between America’s ideals of freedom and the realities of slavery, honoring those who resisted bondage.

3. Stop 3 Pass by

   The Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom, was adopted by abolitionists as a rallying cry against slavery. Its inscription, ‘Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,’ underscores the gap between America’s ideals and its history of slavery. Admission is free.

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   Passing by Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. It symbolizes both the promise of freedom and the contradictions of a nation built on liberty yet maintaining slavery.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   Congress Hall served as the meeting place for the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, a period marked by debates over slavery and Black rights. It highlights the ongoing struggle between liberty and racial inequality in early America.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   Washington Square, formerly Congo Square, was a gathering spot for free and enslaved African Americans in the 18th century. It was a hub for cultural expression, community, and resistance, reflecting the resilience of Philadelphia’s Black community.

7. Stop 7 Pass by

   Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, honoring the 5,000 Black patriots who fought during the American Revolution.

8. Stop 8 Pass by

   Passing by Mother Bethel AME Church, founded in 1794 by Richard Allen. It’s the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the U.S. and a symbol of Black resilience, faith, and activism in the fight against slavery and for civil rights.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

This tour begins at the corner of Front and Market Streets. Before starting, install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed instructions are available after downloading.

Cancellation & confirmation