Black History in Georgia: 3 Days of Group Tours

The Harrington School, St. Simons Island
This elementary school was built for African Americans on St. Simons Island and now serves as a cultural center with paintings depicting the struggles of African Americans coming to the new world and artifacts from the school. It is also a starting point for tours of the island's African American history.

Wanderer Memory Trail, Jekyll Island
Located at what is now St. Andrew's Beach Park on Jekyll Island, The Wanderer Memory Trail pays homage to the 409 captive men, women and children who arrived on the shores of Jekyll in 1858 aboard one of the last slave ships. After visiting the site, head to the Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, where researchers are trying to find out what became of the Wanderer survivors.

The Dorchester Academy and Museum, Midway
Founded in 1870 to educate local freed slaves, this academy continued operating until 1940. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference used the only surviving building — the boys' dormitory — in 1961 for its Citizenship Education Program. Two years later, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. went there to plan the historic Birmingham campaign. The building now houses a museum and offers guided tours that include the sleeping quarters once used by Dr. King. 

Historic Baptismal Trail, Riceboro
A 105-foot bridge leads to a platform overlooking a pool of water that is sacred to local Geechee communities. Records show that slaves were baptized here as far back as 1840, and it continued to be a place for baptisms for a century. The site includes interpretive signage that delves into the history of the site and the surrounding nature offerings.

Pin Point Heritage Museum, Savannah
On the banks of the Moon River south of Savannah, the tiny fishing community of Pin Point was home to an isolated Gullah/Geechee community founded by first-generation freed slaves. Once the site of economic centerpiece A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory, the museum focuses on the Gullah/Geechee culture, from religion to food to history to their deep connection to the water. Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more. 

First African Baptist Church, Savannah
The oldest black church in North America was founded in 1773, and the current sanctuary was built in 1859. The light fixtures, baptismal pool and 1832 pipe organ are all original to the building, and slaves built the balcony pews. Beneath the lower auditorium floor is a hidden space once used by slaves to escape to the Underground Railroad. There are two daily tours Tuesdays through Saturdays; group tours must be scheduled in advance.

Beach Institute African American Center, Savannah
Established in 1865 as the city's first school built specifically for African Americans, today, the Beach Institute is a center for a rich variety of African American cultural programs, including traveling exhibits offered by national artists. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Overnight in Savannah
Stay at the Perry Lane Hotel, where you can wind down from the day with a drink and bite at the rooftop Peregrin, overlooking Savannah's Historic District. Stay an extra day in Savannah to shop the galleries in City Market and take a trolley tour to learn more about this historic city. Be sure to explore Plant Riverside District's restaurants, performances at District Live, and rooftop bars. And, make reservations at The Grey and The Olde Pink House, two of the city's most famous restaurants. For Southern-style favorites, don't miss Geneva's Famous Chicken.

Bike Bike Baby Tours, Augusta
Take a ride through downtown Augusta and absorb the rich history of the place James Brown once called home. Hop on a Bike Bike Baby to take a Black History tour that visits the home of the wealthiest Black woman in Augusta, the African American cemetery, and historic Black churches and congregations, all on bike.

Augusta Museum of History, Augusta
The star of the museum is its permanent James Brown exhibit, featuring stage costumes, photographs and other memorabilia. Guests may also explore the role that African Americans played in the city's history in the "Augusta's Story" exhibition, which takes a chronological look at how the area has evolved. Guided tours and special rates for groups of 10 or more may be booked at least three weeks in advance.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, Augusta
A Macon native, Laney knew education was the key to real freedom for African Americans. She started the first school for black students in Augusta in 1883, and later the first kindergarten, then the first nursing school. Housed in her former home, the museum includes exhibits documenting the history of African Americans in Augusta. Sign up for the one-hour Black Heritage Trolley Tour, which takes visitors to more than 30 historic sites around the city. Guided group tours are available with advance booking.

Springfield Village Park, Augusta
Explore this 2.5-acre park that was built to commemorate the Springfield Baptist Church, the oldest active African American church in America. The park features towering sculptures, a fountain, and plaques that escort visitors through a historical timeline of Augusta's Black history.

Overnight in Augusta
Stay at The Partridge Inn, a landmark hotel in Augusta renowned for its gracious hospitality. Stay an extra day to take a boat tour of the Augusta Canal and stroll or bike along the Riverwalk. For memorable meals, head to the Brunch House of Augusta, Cafe 209, Edgar's Above Broad and Frog Hollow Tavern.

Historic West End Walking Tour, Atlanta
One of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods, the West End became a center for African Americans in the 1960s. These days, it's also notable for its proximity to the BeltLine and the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Insight Cultural Tourism offers a historical walking tour of the area that includes the Wren's Nest, home to author Joel Chandler Harris, who explored African folklore through his Uncle Remus stories, and the Hammonds House Museum, which celebrates artists of African descent. Custom group tours may be arranged with advance notice. facebook.com/insightculturaltourism

APEX Museum, Atlanta
The APEX is the only museum in Atlanta that is solely dedicated to the African diaspora. APEX celebrates historic "Sweet Auburn" Avenue, once the heart of African American life in the city, from the Atlanta Life insurance offices of former slave Alonzo Herndon to the Royal Peacock Club, where greats such as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding performed. Groups of 10 or more may schedule the museum's storyteller-in-residence in advance. 

National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta
This cutting-edge museum looks to the past with sobering exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement (including "White" and "Colored" signs from the Jim Crow era and 13,000 items in the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection). It also explores the global quest for human rights since World War II. Special rates for groups of 10 or more with two weeks notice. Some exhibits are not recommended for children under 10. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta
The experience at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park begins when you approach the Visitor Center, passing by the Civil Rights Walk of Fame with shoe imprints of pioneers in the American Civil Rights Movement noted in the pavement. Along the walk is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi with inscribed quotes from the India leader who greatly influenced King’s nonviolent movement for social change. Hear his story, visit the home of his birth and where he played as a child. Walk in his footsteps, and hear his voice in the church where he moved hearts and minds. Marvel at how he was an instrument for social change.

Sweet Auburn District, Atlanta
Centered along a mile-and-a-half stretch of Auburn Avenue, the Sweet Auburn Historic District houses one of the city's most important historical African American communities. Since the late 19th century, the district has been home to numerous African American-owned businesses and schools, many the first of their kind in Atlanta or the nation. Read more about How to Spend a Day in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn District.

Overnight in Atlanta
Stay at The American Hotel, Atlanta’s first integrated hotel when it opened in 1962. You will be within walking distance of all the attractions at Centennial Olympic Park. Make time to explore the High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park. And don't miss a chance to eat at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours and Paschal's.