A Black history walking tour in Philadelphia reveals the stories, landmarks, and hidden truths often left out of America's founding narrative.
Philadelphia will always be front and center when it comes to our nation’s history (they don’t call it the “Birthplace of America” for nothing) and with the country celebrating its semiquincentennial, there’s never been a better time to visit. Yes, major events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 took place here, but Philadelphia also has an incredibly rich Black heritage—and one of the best ways to learn more about it is by taking a historical walking tour.
The Original Black History Tour is one of several guided walks offered by The Black Journey, a Black-owned company founded in 2019 by Raina Yancey, a Philadelphia-born lawyer whose mother was a ranger at Independence National Historical Park. The lead guide, Mijuel K. Johnson, is a native Philadelphian who holds a degree in history and political science from La Salle University. In addition to scholarly knowledge, Johnson is known for his passion, humor, and engaging storytelling. Each tour typically lasts around two hours and takes place primarily in Old City and the surrounding neighborhoods.
One of the stops on this tour—the company’s flagship offering—is Mother Bethel AME Church. It’s located in Society Hill, which was the epicenter of Black culture when it was once part of the 7th Ward. This church, founded by Rev. Richard Allen in 1794, sits on the oldest parcel of continuously Black-owned land not only in Philadelphia but in the United States. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark, and Allen, who died in 1831, is buried in the church’s basement crypt.
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A few blocks away is Washington Square, formerly known as Congo Square. In the 18th century, it was a popular gathering spot for both free and enslaved people. It also served as a place to celebrate the traditions of their homelands during festivals (vendors would often sell food like pepper pot stew, a mix of meat and vegetables in a spicy pepper sauce). A portion of the park was also used as a potter’s field for free and enslaved Blacks, as well as those who perished in the 1793 yellow fever epidemic.
Steps from the square is Independence Hall, where the country’s most important founding documents were debated and signed, but what many may not know is that on the second floor of the building (called the Pennsylvania State House in colonial times) was a courtroom where recaptured enslaved people were put on trial. In 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act was passed (an amended and more aggressive form of the 1793 law), which allowed for enslaved people who had crossed state lines to be brought back to face trial. The majority of the cases resulted in escapees being sent back to enslavement.
The tour also includes a visit to Independence Mall, the four-block plaza that’s home to The Liberty Bell. You’ll learn about prominent Black Philadelphians such as James Forten, born a free citizen in 1766 and who was a wealthy sail maker, Revolutionary War veteran, and one of the leaders of the free Black community.
The walk concludes on the mall at the President’s House (foundations from what was once George Washington’s home during his presidency). Illustrated panels of an open-air slavery exhibit tell the story of one of Washington’s slaves, Ona Judge (a maid to Martha Washington brought from Mount Vernon), who escaped in the 1790s and made it to freedom in New Hampshire. (Note: After many of the panels were removed due to an executive order, the city sued the federal government to get them reinstated. On June 18, 2026, an appeals court ruled that the city lacks authority to control exhibits at the site. It’s unclear if the city will pursue further legal options.)
The Black Journey’s tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the myriad contributions of Black people before, during, and after our nation’s founding. For more Black history, take a half-day trip to Germantown, 20 minutes from Old City (Uber’s your best bet to get there and back). In addition to a Revolutionary War battle fought here in 1777, there’s fascinating history to be found at the Johnson House Historic Site, a stop on the Underground Railroad (it was owned by the Johnson family, anti-slavery Quakers). Abolitionist William Still attended meetings here, and it’s believed Harriet Tubman did as well. During tours, guides point out the third-floor attic where escaped slaves hid from federal marshals.
A few blocks away is the Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse, the site of the first written anti-slavery petition in the New World in 1688, and across the street is Wyck, a historic Quaker home with one of the country’s oldest rose gardens—the perfect (and fragrant) way to cap off a visit here before heading back to Philly.
Where to Stay
Overlooking Logan Circle’s Swann Memorial Fountain, The Logan Philadelphia Hotel is a stylish 391-room property. Amenities include a café serving La Colombe coffee and the Assembly Rooftop bar with sweeping views (especially scenic at sunset) of the skyline and the Philadelphia Museum of Art at the end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Spend a night in New Hope, an artsy Bucks County town less than an hour’s drive. After a stroll on Main Street, lined with galleries and shops, dine al fresco in the charming courtyard at Zoubi. Stay at the trendy, centrally located 38-room Login Inn. For history buffs, it’s a quick drive to Washington Crossing, where Washington famously crossed the Delaware River on December 25, 1776.
Where to Eat
For a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, book a table at Elwood, an intimate BYOB spot in Fishtown. The cuisine, courtesy of chef Adam Diltz, features modern takes on colonial-era dishes such as pepper pot soup, turtle soup, catfish and cornmeal waffles, and chicken fricassee with an heirloom bean salad (be sure to try the delicious cornbread with apple butter).
The Red Owl Tavern at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, directly across from Independence Hall, is an ideal lunch or dinner spot. The two-story space has a fun vibe and an eclectic menu. Appetizers include smoked pork belly and fried mushrooms, while the entrees range from arctic char to a classic burger.
Looking for a splurge-worthy meal? Vernick Fish from James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick ticks all the boxes. The soaring space, with an open kitchen and top-notch service, is located within the Four Seasons hotel. Standouts include fresh oysters, yellowtail crudo, crispy octopus, and sea scallops in a beurre blanc sauce.
While You’re in Town
On view until the end of 2026, the Museum of the American Revolution‘s The Declaration’s Journey exhibit chronicles the Declaration of Independence’s history and legacy (it’s said to have inspired over 100 independence movements worldwide). The museum also tells Black stories, including those of William Lee, Washington’s enslaved valet, and Phillis Wheatley, America’s first published female Black poet.
The Penn Museum on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus focuses on anthropology and archaeology. Check out the recently opened Native North American Gallery, created in partnership with eight Indigenous consulting curators. The 2,000-square-foot space has more than 250 artifacts culled from the museum’s outstanding collections, including weapons, tools, woven items, and intricate beadwork.