african american tours memphis tn

The Greatest Civil Rights Story Ever told

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This history is more important than ever.  We remain seriously committed to the safety of our guests and staff and to sharing the stories that changed our nation. We invite you to be a change maker. Schedule your visit the National Civil Rights Museum.

This is the History Behind the Movement

Slavery. Separate but equal. Boycotts. Assassinations. Black power. This is the history of the uprising that pushed national and international civil rights forward.

Museum Events. The Reawakening.

Exciting events, extraordinary speakers and special guests turn civil rights history into a one-of-a-kind museum experience

This Is The Story Of A People

Of hopes and dreams, of challenge and change. It is an American story. This story and struggle that started many centuries ago, continues today — with you.

Explore resources for engaging with the museum on a visit as well as for bringing museum content into the classroom.

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Continue your museum experience with inspirational and unique gifts.

Featured Exhibits

Lest We Forget… Images of the Black Civil Rights Movement

Against the backdrop of Templeton's humble beginnings in the Great Depression, his passion for art blossomed, defying norms to pursue a career in painting. Influenced by Norman Rockwell's iconic Saturday Evening Post covers, he defied convention by choosing art as a career. He was inspired by the turmoil of the 1967 Detroit riots and embarked on a mission to visually document the struggle for equal rights. In his collaboration with Benjamin Mays, creating a list of individuals whose portraits would embody the fight for equal rights, he painted iconic leaders like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Vice President Hubert Humphrey, A. Phillip Randolph, and others. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated before a sitting could be scheduled, so for Dr. King’s portrait, Coretta Scott King helped Templeton choose the photo which became the basis of Templeton’s largest and most impressive portrait.

Voices of the Civil Rights Movement

This walk-up kiosk combines two video archives into one interactive display. The exhibit runs for multiple years.

National Civil Rights Museum Blogs

There’s plenty of history in the making here at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Join us for The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence Through Policy And Public Safety | March 22, 2024

The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence through Policy and Public Safety marks the culmination of a four-part series by the National Civil Rights Museum, aimed at...

Honoring Cultural and Artistic Heritage This Black History Month

This past Black History Month, the National Civil Rights Museum dedicated its focus to celebrating the significant contributions of African Americans to the nation's cultural...

Statement on the Passing of Dexter Scott King

The National Civil Rights Museum mourns with the nation on the passing of Dexter Scott King.  Dexter King, the youngest son of slain civil rights leader,...

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For 40 years Heritage Tours has been committed to sharing stories of the African American history in Memphis, TN through guided tours. Our tours include Slave Haven, STAX Museum in Soulsville USA, W.C. Handy Park Lorraine Motel and other significant sites of Black Culture in the Memphis area.

At Heritage Tours, we're all about helping you dive into the amazing world of Memphis! We're super proud to offer you these awesome cultural and historical sightseeing experiences that really dig into the incredible impact African Americans have had on this city. Our tours are like a backstage pass to Memphis's rich history, where we'll uncover stories, challenges, triumphs, and the fantastic cultural vibes that have made Memphis the lively and diverse place it is today. Join us for an adventure that's all about celebrating the incredible heritage of African Americans in this amazing city!

Our team of experienced historians and tour guides are passionate about educating our visitors, students, educators and all Memphians on the rich history of African Americans in Memphis. We are dedicated to providing an engaging and informative experience for all of our guests.

Elaine Lee Turner

Founder & president.

Elaine serves as director of Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and the director of the W. C. Handy Memphis Home & Museum on Beale Street. In 1997 Heritage Tours established the W. C. Handy Heritage Awards which pays tribute to the many outstanding Memphis musicians who have contributed to our musical heritage and to keep the legacy of W. C, Handy alive.

Elaine Lee Turner has served the Memphis community in various capacities as an educator, a civil rights activist, an entrepreneur and a historian.  

Having spent 15 years in the teaching profession, she decided to pursue other endeavors. Her interest in history inspired her to launch her own business. Realizing that many of our youth do not know their rich history and lack motivation and pride in their own heritage, she conceived the idea of developing tours that would share this history with them simply touring their own city and teaching them about their past. In 1983, she along with her sister Joan, opened. Heritage Tours, the first African American oriented tour company in the state of Tennessee, with some authorities in the tourism industry crediting Heritage Tours as being the first of its kind in the United States. In developing the tour company, she truly believed that the story of African Americans was a story that needed to be told, especially to our youth and that the vision for incorporating this history into a business was indeed divinely inspired.  Over the past 40 years, the interest in African American heritage has grown tremendously and the tours have attracted visitors from all over the world. 

About the TEAM

Our team at Heritage Tours is a dedicated and passionate group of individuals committed to providing enriching and educational experiences for our guests. With a shared love for history, culture, and storytelling, we come together to bring the past to life and create unforgettable journeys.

Our team includes:

Experienced, Knowledgeable Guides who are well-versed in the history and culture of the locations we explore. They are skilled storytellers who can captivate audiences of all ages, making each tour a memorable experience.

Cultural Enthusiasts who are all enthusiastic about preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the places we visit. Whether it's African Am erican history, civil rights, or local culture, our team is deeply committed to promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.  

As Logistics Experts , we are behind the scenes, ensuring that every aspect of your tour runs smoothly. From scheduling to transportation and accommodations, they work tirelessly to make your journey hassle-free.

As Customer Service Specialists , we take pride in providing exceptional customer service. Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and make your tour experience as enjoyable as possible.

We are  History Buffs who believe that understanding the past is key to shaping a better future. Our passion for history drives our commitment to delivering informative and thought-provoking tours.

And finally, we are Community Advocates who value the communities we visit and strive to support local businesses and initiatives wherever we go. We believe in giving back to the places that share their stories with us.

Our team's shared mission is to offer tours that not only educate but also inspire a deeper connection to history and culture. We look forward to welcoming you on our tours and sharing the fascinating stories of the places we explore.

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4 Days / 3 Nights

Departure from your location may require en route lodging. Call for details.

The Soul of Memphis, TN – African American Heritage Tour – NEW!

A group bus tour, this package includes:.

• 3 Nights Lodging
• 3 Breakfasts
• 3 Dinners, including BB King's Palace Cafe
• African-American City Tour includes: - Robert Church Park - Elmwood Cemetery - Lemoyne Owen College
• Free Time on Beale Street
• American Soul Music at Stax Museum
• "Roots" Tour in Henning, Tennessee
• Slavehaven Underground Railroad Museum
• National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Hotel)
• Alex Haley Home and Burial Site
• Gift for All
• Luggage Handling
• All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
• 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more

Call for available options 800.437.2323

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2.5 Hours Essence Of Memphis African American History Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

• Memphis Tours
• Culture & Theme Based Tours
• Local Culture & Education Tours

2.5 Hours Essence Of Memphis African American History Tour

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Hotel pickup Available
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 2 Hrs 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 9:45am or 1:00pm
• Return Details : Please read and respond. Thanks! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1C2vxHRF4r6TNV33xOmbUGAwlcBj2A7OA6LygExr3dCI/edit • If there are any questions , please contact owner directly @ 901 219-4869
• Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

On this 2.5 hour African American History tour, we will be your "conductor" and take you on a journey through Memphis that will be sure to open your eyes to some of the most historical sites connected to slavery through to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. There is so much more to Memphis than Downtown to experience, so we will also explore some of our interestingneighborhoods. This tour is for residents, families, and visitors who are looking for the activities to do that are safe, fun and insightful.

Know More about this tour

From our vehicle you will see the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, room 306 where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This is also the location of the National Civil Rights Museum. This was once the home of Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who chose to participate in the Underground Railroad. This home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a museum. We will tell you the "rest of the story" about this most iconic street. Once referred to as the Negro Mainstreet USA. This is the world headquarters for the Church of God in Christ. It was here where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his last speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop" less than 24 hours before he was assassinated. It was in this church, built in the late 1800's, Sanitation Workers gathered to strategize the strike that caused Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to come to Memphis .

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• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

3 person minimum required.

Dress code is smart casual

This tour does not stop for guests to visit museums. Visits can be made at your leisure on your own. We will drive by sites with narration.

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Traveler Reviews

This tour was a great and wonderful experience and excitingly educational. The tour guide did a awesome job of explaining the culture and history of Memphis and made the tour a good experience with their wonderful southern hospitality.

This tour company is the best. The owner and tour guide C. Michael-Banks is top of the line. Professional, so knowledgeable about all things Memphis, entertaining, and didactic. We learned so much and the time flew by. My family was so blessed and impressed. Thank Memphis tourism for suggesting her. Thank you"Queen for providing a family reunion tour that we will cherish forever.

This was a FIVE STAR tour from start to finish. Ms Jackie was a wealth of knowledge, entertaining and professional. The vehicle was spotless and the right temperature. I definately recommend this tour even for the locals. A GREAT TIME!

I loved Ms. Jackie !!!! She is full of knowledge and her ability to transition from story telling, song and jokes was amazing! I Really enjoyed my tour with her and would recommend her to anyone that wants to take a fun, educational and engaging tour of Memphis! Ms. Jackie you are AMAZING ! - Kandice Buffalo, NY

Lots of knowledge and excellent tour guide! She also has an amazing voice and it hits your soul Would highly recommend her again!!!

Loved Ms. Jackie’s commentary, excitement, showcasing her acting skills and musical talents. Great!!

Went solo, but met three wonderful women and the experience resulted in an authentic engagement. Jackie, our tour guide was absolutely outstanding. She told the stories of African Americans citizens of Memphis that was enlightening, inspiring and engaging accurately.

We absolutely enjoyed our tour with Ms. Jackie! What a wonderful experience to learn about the rich historical value of Memphis! We left knowing so much more than we expected. A huge shoutout to Ms. Jackie for her ability to blend history with the historical sites and her amazing talent! Thank you so much for this tour!

American Flatbread in Rockport has a great 'barn' location, neat atmosphere. Buffalo chicken flatbread was delicious! Evolution salad was killer.....very fresh and loaded with goodies. Good service. And amazingly, unlike almost every other restaurant in the area, they are open 7 days a week. Would return!

My tour guide was profesional, knowledgeble. Jav was extraordinary. On my tour there were locals and they were thrill also for the facts. Carolyn make me feel well attended , excellent communication and transportation clean and confortable , pick up time perfect. The trip took us to a great experience. We got extra time for pictures. Couldnt beleive the hours pass so fast. I Wilfrido be back for more .

Travel Guide

• Things to Do
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• The Roots of Memphis Music: Graceland, Beale Street & More
• African-American Heritage in Memphis
• Elvis Beyond The Gates of Graceland
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• Organized Tours
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African-American Heritage in Memphis in Memphis

For many people, the city of Memphis is synonymous with one of the most significant, and saddest, events in recent American history -- the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Lorraine Motel, where King was staying when he was shot, has in the years since the assassination become the National Civil Rights Museum (pictured above).

Long before the civil rights movement brought King to Memphis, the city had already become one of the most important cities in the South for black people. After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, Memphis became a magnet for African Americans, who came here seeking economic opportunities. Beale Street was where they headed to start their search. Beale Street's most famous citizen was W. C. Handy, the father of the blues, who first put down on paper the blues born in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. W. C. Handy Park, with its statue of the famous blues musician, is about halfway down Beale Street, and Handy's small house, now the W. C. Handy House Museum , is also now on Beale Street. At the Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum , just a block off Beale Street, you can learn more about Handy and other famous African-American blues musicians who found a place for their music. Best of all is the Soulsville USA: Stax Museum of American Soul Music , which has been drawing rave reviews since it opened a few years ago in a resurgent South Memphis neighborhood. Another museum with exhibits on famous black musicians is the Pink Palace Museum .

Church Park, on the corner of Beale and Fourth streets (and once the site of a large auditorium), was established by Robert R. Church, a former slave and Memphis businessman who became the city's first black millionaire. The park was a gathering place for African Americans in the early 1900s, when restrictive Jim Crow laws segregated city parks.

Gospel music was part of the inspiration for the blues that W. C. Handy wrote, and that music came from the churches of the black community. The tradition of rousing musical accompaniment in church continues at many of the city's churches, but none is more famous than the Full Gospel Tabernacle, 787 Hale Rd. (tel. 901/396-9192 ), which is where one-time soul-music star Al Green now takes to the pulpit as a minister. Sunday service is at 11am. Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, 930 Mason St. (tel. 901/947-9300 ), is the international headquarters of the Church of God in Christ and was where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his "I've been to the mountaintop" speech shortly before his death. Tourists are welcome to visit and step inside. Donations are accepted. Sunday services are no longer held here, however.

If you'd like a guide to lead you through the most important sites in Memphis's African-American heritage, contact Heritage Tours (tel. 901/527-3427 ), which offers both a 1-hour Beale Street Walking Tour and 3- to 4-hour Memphis Black Heritage Tour.

Heritage Tours also visits another worthwhile out-of-town attraction, the Alex Haley House Museum (tel. 731/738-2240 ). If you prefer to go on your own, it's a pleasant day trip by car to reach the small town of Henning, about 45 miles north of downtown Memphis on U.S. 51. The home is now a museum containing memorabilia and old portraits of the Haley family. Nearby is the family burial site, where Haley (author of Roots: The Saga of an American Family ) and many of his ancestors, including Chicken George, are buried. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for kids.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

11 Inspiring African American History Tours In The U.S.

• Activities and Interests
• Black History
• Destinations
• Guided Tours
• History and Culture
• Sightseeing
• United States

History tells the story of the past, provides context to the present, and potentially a glimpse into the future. As is often the case, history repeats itself.

There’s no better way to learn about a place than by looking back. History tours can be priceless. After a year when race dominated the national conversation in a way not seen since the 1960s, there’s soul searching and a quest for knowledge and understanding. Start that journey with a guided tour that teaches and entertains.

While self-guided tours allow you to go at your own pace, I’m all for guided tours. You can’t beat having a passionate tour guide who knows the history backward and forward like they lived it. That insight is priceless and heightens the experience twofold.

Here are a few African American history tours to put on your must-go list.

1. Memphis Caravan Tour, Memphis, Tennessee 

A Tour of Possibilities offers this guided 2.5-hour tour of African American history that you enjoy from the comfort of your own car. You hear the guide’s commentary through your car speakers by accessing the link provided upon arrival. The exploration includes sites like the Slave Haven, where you descend the stairs into the dark, damp cellar and peer through the trapdoors and hidden passages where the fugitives were harbored, giving you a glimpse of those turbulent times. It also includes the National Civil Rights Museum/Lorraine Motel (where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated), Beale Street (nicknamed the Home of the Blues), and neighborhoods like Soulsville, South Memphis, Uptown, as well as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the I AM A MAN Plaza, and plenty more. Admission is $66.

For more things to do in Memphis, Tennessee , check out these 16 Fantastic Day Trips From Memphis . 

2. Charleston’s African American History And Heritage, Charleston, South Carolina 

West Africa’s contribution to the heritage and history of the Lowcountry is indisputable. Bulldog Tours explores the influence and experience of African Americans in Charleston from slavery and Jim Crow, to the Civil Rights struggle. Highlights of the 2-hour walking tour include significant sites like the Aiken Rhett House, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and the Philip Simmons Prayer Garden. Simmons was one of the most celebrated 20th century ironworkers in Charleston. He made more than 500 decorative pieces of ornamental wrought iron gates, fences, balconies, and window grills that dot the Charleston landscape. Adults are $37, children 4–12, $27, with children 3 and under free.

3. Black History River Cruise, San Antonio, Texas 

Twice a month — on the second Sunday and fourth Saturday — The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum and GO Rio River Cruises offer a 90-minute African American history tour . You’ll discover how the once richest Black man south of the Mason Dixon line got his start in San Antonio , see the location of the first “free” school for African Americans in San Antonio, learn about the African American 14-year-old male student who helped change San Antonio history, and more. Admission is $25.

4. The Black Journey: African American History Walking Tour, Philadelphia, PA 

This 90-minute tour starts off in front of the Independence Visitor Center and continues across the city at some of the nation’s most important and historical sites such as The President’s House, Congress Hall, Old City Hall, First U.S. Supreme Court Building, American Philosophical Society Museum, Independence Square, Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and Bicentennial Moon Tree — the former location of the Philadelphia Prison Site and the oldest continuous piece of land owned by people of African descent. You’ll go to Congo Square, visit the unmarked graves of free and enslaved victims of the yellow fever epidemic, and see where the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1793. Walk in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, slaveholders, and founding fathers. Tickets are $20–$35.

5. The James Brown Family Historical Tour, Augusta, Georgia

Get on the good foot. The Godfather of Soul has a special place in Black history. Nobody sang and danced quite like him. Cherish the memories with a private guided tour of his favorite haunts on a nearly 2-hour tour led by his daughter Deanna Brown-Thomas. You’ll visit his childhood home, spots where he hung out, restaurants, his elementary school, and more. Tours are $15 per person and can be set via the James Brown Family Foundation . 

6. Birding The Harriet Tubman Byway, Bucktown, Maryland 

Start your 4-hour adventure at the Brodess Farm Site in Bucktown. The guided drive and hike are for bird lovers. Harriet Tubman Tours and Delmarva Birding Weekends sponsor this adventure that goes along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad in Dorchester County, Maryland . You’ll learn about Tubman as you make your way through the farms, Chesapeake Bay marshes, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, encountering some of the best birding and bald eagle watching. Cost is $65 per person.

If you want to learn more about the Underground Railroad, head north On The Way To Freedom . 

7. The Real Black Wall Street Tour, Tulsa, Oklahoma 

Despite the gravity of the Tulsa Race Massacre, until the 100th anniversary of the massacre this year, little was known about it. This tour will give you an education that might be painful but insightful. The tour takes place through the historic Tulsa district of Greenwood. You’ll hear the details about the people and buildings that were affected by the massacre, and the places that were bombed, including churches and schools. Warning, you might need a hanky. You’ll go through some of the neighborhoods that were leveled. Admission is $15.

8. Black History Tour, Washington, DC 

Washingtonian Christopher W. vows to show you what was left out of textbooks when it comes to the contributions of African Americans with his Tours By Locals . While you’ll get the expected — like the Lincoln Memorial and the spot where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream” speech — you’ll also venture to the Frederick Douglass House, Lincoln Park, Howard University, Howard Theater, Ben’s Chili Bowl Mural, African American Civil War Memorial, and the African American History and Culture Museum during the 6-hour tour. Admission is $500 for up to four people.

9. Gullah Tour, Sandy Island, South Carolina 

Just south of Murrells Inlet is Sandy Island, where many of the 120 residents are Gullah Geechee descendants, the culture that originated from West African slaves who worked on the rice plantations in the 1700s. Start the 2-hour tour at the Sandy Island Boat Ramp and take a brief boat ride to Pyatt’s General Store with its African heritage gifts, Gullah Sweetgrass baskets, and more. Then you’ll board a passenger van and make your way around the island to the Sandy Island firehouse, old gravesites, church, community center, library, and more. Admission is $35.

10. Freedom Seekers Heritage Tour, Niagara County, New York 

The Niagara River and Gorge was an important crossing point into Canada for those using the Underground Railroad. For the freedom seekers who passed through the Niagara Frontier, the physical act of crossing the Niagara River represented the final act of courage and determination at the end of a long journey. Motherland Connextions’ tour takes you to key towns and sites. For over 3 hours you’ll visit the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center with its exhibits, scenic built environment, nearby murals of Harriet Tubman and freedom seekers, and more. In Lewiston, there’s the Freedom Crossing Monument on the bank of the Niagara River. The statue honors the courage of freedom seekers who sought a new life in Canada, and those who helped them on their journey across Niagara. Murphy Orchards in Burt is a farm that secretly housed enslaved people on the run in a barn. Another place of refuge is the many canals. You’ll see the Erie Canal in Lockport. The tour is $94 for adults and $67 for children.

11. Duke Street Black History Walking Tour, Alexandria, Virginia 

The 90-minute Manumission guided walking tour along the Duke Street corridor in Old Town Alexandria includes sites connected to the early Alexandria slave trade, such as the former site of Franklin & Armfield and the former Bruin Slave Jail that held the Edmonson sisters. The tour also includes sites that connect to early African Americans’ spirituality like the Shiloh Baptist Church and the Alexandria National Cemetery. You might want to check their other tours too. Freedom’s Fight in Alexandria Walking Tour highlights pre-Civil War history and the stories of runaway slaves, early abolitionists, and more. The Still’s Underground Railroad Walking Tour takes you along the downtown King Street corridor to hear about the Underground Railroad in Alexandria. The Black History in Alexandria bus tour is a 2-hour guided tour that will take you to the Freedom House Museum, Alfred Street Baptist Church, the site of the 1939 Library Sit-In, Contraband & Freedman Cemetery, and more. All Manumission Tours are $15 for adults and $12 for those 12 and under.

Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel. Her work has appeared on CNTraveler.com, TheDailyBeast, Fodors, Afar, Global Traveler Magazine, ShermansTravel, and Newsweek.com among others.