african american tours houston

Houston Historical Tours

Educating and entertaining everyone, (713) 392-0867 [email protected], houston historical tours p.o. box 262404 houston, texas 77207-2404.

• Brewery Tours
• City Tours of Houston (8)
• Downtown Walking Tours (4)
• Galveston Tours (14)
• Haunted Tours (10)
• Houston Tunnels Tours (3)
• San Jacinto State Park and More (8)
• Space Center Houston and More (9)
• Texas Medical Center Walking Tours (3)
• Wine Tours (5)
• African-American / Black History Tours
• Antique Tours (4)
• Architectural Tours of Houston
• Asian-American Tours
• Azalea Trail Tour & Houston Livestock and Rodeo
• Bachelorette Party Tour
• Bakery Tours (9)
• Beyonce Tours
• Celebrity Female Singers Tours
• Cemetery Tours (12+)
• Chocolate Tour
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Tours
• Christian Unique Sites Tours (2)
• City Night Tours
• Distillery Tours
• Downtown Tours
• East End Tours (6)
• Entertainment, Music, and Recreation
• Folk and Public Art Tours
• Garden Tours
• Gentlemen's Clubs
• Halloween Tours
• Heights (6)
• Hispanic Tours(3)
• Holiday Lights Tours (9)
• Ice Cream Tours
• Janis Joplin Tour
• Jewish Tours
• Ladies' Clubs
• Lesbian Clubs
• Lives of the Rich and Infamous (5)
• Mexican Restaurant Tour
• Miniature Train Sets, Trains, and Railroad Museums
• Multicultural Tours
• Museum Tours
• Night Tours (6)
• Outside of Downtown Walking Tours (20+)
• Port of Houston & Ship Channel Tours (2)
• Poverty Tour
• Presidential Tours (7)
• Psychos, Killers, and Victims (3)
• Quilt Tours (9)
• Religious Sites Tours (5)
• Rum Tours (2)
• Selena Tour
• Shopping Tours (12+)
• Sports Tours (4)
• Texas Medical Center Tours (5)
• The Beatles/Cover Band Tour
• Unique Neighborhoods Tours
• Universities Tour
• Weird and Unique Houston
• Women's History Tours
• Beaumont Tours (4)
• Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and More
• Corpus Christi and More
• Dallas and More
• Fort Worth and More
• Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Stonewall, Austin, and More
• George Ranch
• Matagorda County (2)
• New Braunfels Tours (2)
• Nederland Tour
• New Orleans & More
• Orange Tours (2)
• Painted & Historical Churches (5)
• Port Arthur Tour
• Presidential Tour of Texas and Arkansas
• Rural Trains (5)
• San Antonio (10)
• San Marcos Tours (3)
• The Varner-Hogg Plantation, Columbia, and More
• Wine Tours (7)
• Chicago and More in the Midwest
• Fall Foliage Tours
• Northwest and North Texas - Plains, Panhandle, and Desert
• Savannah and Charleston
• Shreveport, Branson, and Little Rock
• South Texas
• West Texas and Big Bend - Deserts and Mountains
• Monthly Specials
• Keith's Blog
• Gift Certificates
• Coronavirus Policies
• Our Mission
• Payment Options
• Step-On Tour Guides
• Schedule a Tour
• Starting and Ending Location for Most Tours
• Write a Review
• Airport Transportation
• Cruise Ship Terminal Transportation
• Testimonials and Recommendations
• Download Free Brochure

African American / Black History Tours

We offer 7 different African American tours. Each is 6 hours. They normally begin at 9:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM. Each includes a stop for lunch, normally at a traditional African American restaurant of barbecue, soul, Creole or some such food. Houston had political subdivisions called wards from 1837 through 1915. Most of present-day Houston did not exist at the time of the wards. They were divided along the intersection of Main Street and Congress Street in downtown Houston and only went as far north as Buffalo Bayou. The First and Second Wards were only about 3 blocks deep (Commerce Street and Franklin Street), from Buffalo Bayou to Congress Street. The Third and Fourth Wards went on endlessly. Northwest Houston was 1st Ward. Northeast Houston was 2nd Ward. Southeast Houston was 3rd Ward. Southwest Houston was 4th Ward. This was once all of Houston. Many, if not most, people misuse the term and misidentify the wards.

The seven tours are:

• Tour A – Southeast Houston of Harrisburg, South Park, Riverside Terrace, and Timbercrest, east of SH 288
• Tour B – (Near Southeast Side) – 3rd Ward
• Tour C – (West Side) – 1st, 4th, and 6th Ward
• Tour D – (North Side) – Acres Home, Highland Heights, Kashmere Garden, and the 5th Ward
• Tour E – (South Side) – Sunnyside and Ranches
• Tour F – A Plantation and Independence Heights
• Tour G – Galveston

Tour A —Southeast Houston of Harrisburg, South Park, Riverside Terrace, and Timbercrest, east of SH 288

This includes a walking tour of the oldest African American cemetery in Houston. It dates to the era of slavery and the first plantations in the Houston area. This location is in an area that was originally a city named Harrisburg. Houston annexed it, in 1926. The Yellow Rose of Texas made history in Harrisburg. Six historic African American churches still exist in this largely barrio. We also visit Southpark, an area where the Shrine of the Black Madonna church stands. Several African American neighborhood institutions exist in this area, including restaurants, funeral homes, barbershops, nail shops, and ballrooms. Most of this area was designed in the post-World War II period. We drive through MacGregor Park and will see the statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. that was erected in 2014. We then go to Riverside Terrace and Timbercrest. These were the two most exclusive African American neighborhoods in the US in the 1950s and 1960s. We stop for lunch at a bar-b-que restaurant, Frenchy’s Chicken, or This Is It for soul food. We will drive by the largest African American Catholic church in the city. We will see both the current Jack Yates High School and the original “Jack Yates Colored High School.” We visit Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the last historically African American universities and colleges and the second largest in the US. We will see the former “Houston Negro Hospital,” Trinity United Methodist Church that is the oldest African American congregation in Houston, Project Row Houses, Dupree Park, Emancipation Park, and the “Sixth Church of Christ Science (Colored).”

Tour B — (Near Southeast Side) – 3rd Ward

This tour focuses on several institutions of high culture – theaters and museums, as well as churches and businesses. We visit the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. We will see the former site of the House of Dereon, where Beyonce, Solange, and Destiny’s Child have recorded. We will drive by the Houston Branch of the NAACP, the Houston Museum of African American Culture, the oldest and largest professional African American theater in the Southwest – The Ensemble Theatre, and, if open, the Community Artists’ Collective. We will see the church that Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland have attended and the oldest African American Catholic church in Houston. Lunch is normally at either a Jamaican or soul food restaurant on Almeda Road or a Luby’s cafeteria.

Tour C —(West Side) – 1st, 4th, and 6th Ward

This tour includes going to the site of the worst race riot in Houston history, Houston's third oldest housing project and site of the first African American hospital, the oldest African American church in Houston, Freedmen's Town, the African American Library at the Gregory School, and more. See where Jack Yates preached, his home, and where he is buried, as well as his son newspaper publisher Rutherford B. H. Yates. You will see the homes of late 1800s’ Black pioneers in Houston, including the Reverend Ned P. Pullum and attorney J. Vance Lewis, and mid-1900s’ entrepreneur Don Robey. Two of the four oldest African American cemeteries in Houston are on this tour. At the current time, no traditional African American restaurant exists in this area. Lunch is normally at a Cajun restaurant or Luby’s cafeteria in the 4th Ward.

Tour D —(North Side) – Acres Home, Highland Heights, Kashmere Garden, and the 5th Wards

This tour will bring you to some of the most distinctively African American areas of Houston. It includes driving by the current Phillis Wheatley High School, the site of the original Wheatley High School, and past the second Phillis Wheatley high school, Evergreen Negro Cemetery, where the city paved a street through it, the former Peacock Records, Paradise North Cemetery, Julia C. Hester House, the childhood home of Barbara Jordan, George Foreman’s gym, the African American St. Elizabeth Hospital, the 2nd oldest housing project in Houston, numerous churches, elementary and middle schools, and colorful murals. See historical markers identifying Frenchtown and Zydeco Music. Lunch is at a favorite bar-be-cue place.

Tour E —(South Side) – Sunnyside and Ranches

Visit three or four local African-American ranches. Learn of the contribution of Blacks in rural Texas as cowboys and owners of ranches. You might have an opportunity to see some roping and ride a horse! You will also see the last subdivision established in Houston to be a segregated African American community. Separate fees exist for admission to the American Cowboy Museum and ranches.

Tour F — A Plantation and Independence Heights

Tour G — Tour of Galveston

This tour includes seeing the sites of famous Galvestonians including the first heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Johnson, and the 1800s civil rights leader, Norris Wright Cuney. See the historic Black cemetery where one of the founders of the Deltas is buried, churches, segregated "Colored" public schools, parks, and the hundred year plus homes of Black families. See Texas’s first African American African Methodist Episcopal Church Reedy Chapel AME Church, Texas’s first African American Baptist church Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church, Texas’s first African American Catholic church Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and Texas’s first African American Episcopal church Saint Augustine Episcopal Church. Visit the site at Ashton Villa where the Emancipation Proclamation was read on June 19th 1865, leading to over 100 years of Juneteenth celebrations. Lunch is at a traditional African American bar-be-cue or seafood restaurant. Houston to Galveston is 51.2 miles/82.4 kilometers. The drive is approximately 1 hour.

Prices for African American Tours

• Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Black History Tours

Expiration: after selected date.

Tour three (3) historic structures including the 1847 Kellum-Noble House, 1870 Jack Yates House, and the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage. Our tour guides will demonstrate the contrast of the lives of African-Americans living in Houston before and after the Civil War. New research conducted on the 1847 Kellum-Noble House has revealed the names of several enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked on the property. The history of this home discusses urban slavery in Houston, whereas the Yates House and Fourth Ward Cottage tell about life after Emancipation in the community known as Freedmen’s Town established by African-Americans. Group rates are available. Groups of six (6) or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email [email protected] . Docent-Guided Historic Building Tours are offered Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Refund Policy: No refunds.

Included Venues

See location on an interactive map.

Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Refund Policy

Terms & conditions, privacy policy, refund policy.

Visits & Tours

Visitor Information

• District Brochure
• Insider’s Guide
• Houston Loves Museums
• Transportation
• Accomodations
• Area Resources

News & Media

• Mission & History
• Board of Directors
• Facility Rentals
• Jobs & Volunteering
• Privacy Policy
• *site feedback*

Houston Museum of African American Culture

The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) explores stories inspired by themes of opportunity, empowerment, creativity, and innovation and cultural interrelationships through the lens of the African American experience. The Museum seeks to engage visitors of every race and background through discovery-driven learning and preserve African American history.

HOURS & ADMISSION

• Thursday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• General Admission is ALWAYS free.

Directions & Parking

• Free Parking
• Street Parking
• We have limited on-site free parking. Street parking is also available.
• (713) 526-1015

Events at Houston Museum of African American Culture

Sat, Apr 27

Houston This Is It Soul Food

Black Houston Bus Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of African American culture and history that has shaped the city's identity.

Time & Location

Apr 27, 2024, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Houston This Is It Soul Food, 2712 Blodgett St, Houston, TX 77004, USA

About the event

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of African American culture and history that has shaped the city's identity. Led by knowledgeable guides, this captivating journey takes you through the heart of Black Houston, where every stop tells a story.

Step aboard our comfortable bus and embark on a transformative exploration of Houston's diverse heritage. Encounter influential community leaders who share insights into their organizations' impactful work. From renowned cultural hubs to hidden gems, each destination unveils layers of history and significance.

Delve into the dynamic past of this captivating city as you uncover pivotal moments and remarkable achievements. Gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, creativity, and contributions of African Americans throughout Houston's history.

Single Admission

+$5.36 State Tax

+$1.76 service fee

2 Person Admission Deal

+$9.07 State Tax

+$2.98 service fee

Share this event

Black in Houston: 14 Landmarks You Must Visit

Note: This post may contain affiliate links! Check our disclaimer if you need more info!

If you couldn’t tell from my Houston staycation post, I’m a Houston aficionado.  I love this city.  One of my favorite things about Houston is its rich history.  There are so many diverse cultures in this metropolis that you can find something for everything.  However, there’s really something special about being Black in Houston.  The city was a pivotal location in Texas during and after slavery and has maintained a thriving Black community since.  As such, there are several landmarks with special recognition to those who are Black in Houston.

Perhaps you’d like a more interactive way to celebrate Black History Month or you’re seeking black history in Houston, TX.  Either way, we’ve got you covered with these 14 Black in Houston landmarks.

Museum of African American History

Buffalo soldiers national museum, rutherford bh yates museum, project row houses, emancipation park, the yates house at sam houston park, bethel park.

• Third Ward Bike Tours by Let's Do This Houston

The African American Library at the Gregory School

Texas southern university, prairie view a&m university, barrington plantation, varner-hogg plantation state historic site, levi jordan plantation state historic site, black in houston: museums.

4807 Caroline St. Houston, Tx 77004

Located in Third Ward, the Museum of African American History is dedicated to showcasing the history of Black people in Houston, Texas, and the Southwest.  The tales of the past and present are mostly told through artwork here.

It’s not a large museum but that lends to its intimate nature and also allows them to display a more curated collection of exhibits.  It is a great jumpstart to learning more about the history of being Black in Houston.

Admission to the Houston Museum of African American Culture is completely free but donations are encouraged.

3816 Caroline St. Houston, Tx 77004

Houston is lucky enough to be home to the only museum in the United States dedicated to the history of Black soldiers in the United States.  While most things at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum aren’t specific to being Black in Houston, it is a historical landmark that simply can’t be missed.

Buffalo Soldiers were members of all Black military units comprised of those formerly enslaved, freemen, and Black Civil War soldiers.  They were the first to serve during times of peace and performed a variety of tasks from herding cattle to serving campaigns against Indigenous people.  They were aptly named Buffalo Soldiers as a nod to their bravery and revere.

You can learn more about the different calvaries, the campaigns they led, and their many accomplishments with a visit to the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

2521 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004

Project Row Houses are arguably the heart of the Third Ward community.  These shotgun houses were previously in disrepair until a group of artists purchased and revitalized them.  Today, they serve as a pillar in the community showcasing and encouraging artistic endeavors.  They also provide resources to the community such as housing for single parents, small businesses, and neighborhood residents.  You can enjoy unique reflections of being Black in Houston at the Project Row Houses while experiencing one of the oldest historically Black neighborhoods in Houston.

[Please note: Project Row Houses is currently closed to the conditions of the pandemic.  Please check their website for more details on a future reopening.]

Black in Houston: Parks

3018 Emancipation Ave. Houston, TX 77004

When enslaved people of Texas heard of their emancipation [a whole two years after Abraham Lincoln’s proclimation], it started the annual tradition of Juneteenth.  This holiday, celebrated on June 19th, represents the jubilation of those who after generations of hardship finally received their freedom.  In 1872, groups of freed African Americans pooled their money to purchase several acres of land in what is now known as Houston’s Third Ward.  They named it Emancipation Park in honor of their newfound freedom.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emancipation Park Conservancy (@epconservancy)

For many years, Emancipation Park was the only park in the city that could be used by Black people in Houston.  Since then it has stood as a cornerstone of the neighborhood and home to many programs and initiatives for the community.  There are often special exhibits held here as well like the moratorium for Black people lost to police brutality .

1000 Bagby St. Houston, TX 77002

If you ever spent any time in the Historic Third Ward of Houston, then Reverend Jack Yates is a familiar name to you.  He was formerly enslaved and upon emancipation dedicated his life to the enrichment and advancement of the Black community in Houston.  The Yates House at Sam Houston Park houses a curated collection of artifacts from his family and even has some of the original furniture.  It details not only their history but the city’s as well.

The Houston Heritage Society offers guided tours and even audio tours from your phone.

1837 Crosby St. Houston, TX 77019

Bethel Park received its name from Bethel Baptist Church that once stood in its spot.  The former church was founded by freed enslaved in the 1890s and resides in Houston’s Fourth Ward [formerly Freedman’s Town].  It stood as a testament to the resiliency of the freed Black people at that time.  It was also yet another contribution to the city’s history by Rev. Jack Yates.  After being mostly destroyed in a fire, it was finally restored by the city and turned into the landmark we know now as Bethel Park.  Guests can roam the remains of the church walls, enjoy the scenery of the park, and revel in its history.

Black in Houston: Tours

Third ward bike tours by let’s do this houston.

2301 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77004

The Third Ward Bike Tours by Let’s Do This Houston are as Black Houston as it gets.  This black-owned business specializes in tours of Third Ward on – you guessed it – bikes.  But it isn’t your average bike ride.  Guests are treated to unique themes to help enhance the experience.  From a Bike and Brunch ride to a kid-friendly community family ride, they have a little something for everyone.

They even have curated history tours where you can learn about Black history while riding around one of Houston’s oldest Black neighborhoods.

Black in Houston: Educational Facilities

1300 Victor St. Houston, TX 77019

The Edgar M. Gregory School, founded in 1872, became the first public school for Black students in Houston in 1876.  It was located in Freedman’s town [now called Houston’s Fourth Ward] and is said to be the first school for freedmen in the state of Texas.  The history of the school itself is complex and reflective of the harsh social and economic conditions of Blacks in Houston during that time period.  The school often flooded and brought with it diseases that harmed or killed many of the teachers and students.   It was eventually closed due to hazardous conditions.

Today, it stands as the African American Library at the Gregory School .  It is the first library in the city dedicated to African-American history and culture.  It is filled with everything from special exhibits, information on living legends, archival collections, and more.  Visitors can also schedule a tour of the Gregory School to learn more information on its history and significance to Houston.

[Please note: Houston Public Library locations may be closed due to the current pandemic conditions.  Please check their website or call them to check their availability.]

3100 Cleburne St. Houston, TX 77004

Texas Southern University is one of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the country.  It was initially founded off the back of segregation to provide “separate but equal” accommodations for Black students in Houston.  However, thanks to an aspiring law student named Herman Sweatt, it later became a state school.  Many riots, protests, and sit-ins took place on campus or by campus students.  [Fun fact: the first sit-in in Houston was organized by TSU students at the Weingarten’s lunch counter at 4110 Almeda St.  The restaurant is no longer but a plague stands in its place to recognize the courageous acts of those student activists.]

Now, it is an institution of its own with thousands of students and decades of history.  Visitors can stroll along the Tiger Walk and see the trees dedicated to each of the Black Divine 9 National Panhellenic Council fraternities and sororities [please don’t climb the trees or sit on the benches unless you are a member of the organization] or visit the library’s African art collection.  Try to catch their marching band the Ocean of Soul for a special treat.

100 University Dr. Prarie View, TX

Prairie View A&M University is a Historically Black College and University [HBCU] located about an hour from Houston in Prarie View, TX.  It’s the second-oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas and has a history as old as time.  The campus is affectionately called “The Hill”.  While there you can tour the expansive campus, attend events, see the representation from all of the Divine Nine, or catch their infamous marching band Marching Storm.

Black in Houston: Plantations

Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880

The Barrington Plantation [or the Barrington Living History Farm] is a little outside of Houston but is still an important part of Black in Houston history.  The farm is actually located within the Washington on the Brazos complex where Texas began Texas.  Here is where Texan leadership huddled to sign the declaration to make Texas its own republic.  But it’s also where enslaved Africans endured a life of hardship and labor under the last President of the Texas Republic Anson Jones.

They, admittedly, do not go very in-depth regarding the history of the enslaved people on this plantation.  However, to their credit, it is not ignored or glazed over.  There are reproductions of the slave quarters that guests can tour along with the rest of the property.  Volunteers and employees on the farm dress in the clothes of the time period for an extra layer of authenticity.  They also raise the same type of livestock and produce people of that time period.

Be sure to check their special events calendar as they periodically have events specific to those that were enslaved on this plantation.

The Varner-Hogg Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in Texas.  Located in West Columbia, TX, it is approximately an hour south of Houston.  Despite its age, it is remarkably well kept and stands as a reminder of the history of Black people in Houston.  Special care is taken to preserve and share the history of African Americans at Varner-Hogg Plantation.  Immaculate records were kept and are shared with visitors.  You can even rent a cottage to stay on-site in their authentic 1920s cottage.

The Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site was one of the largest sugar and cotton production plantations in Texas.  It started with 12 enslaved Africans and eventually grew to be an essential site for trafficking additional slaves into the states.  Following the emancipation of enslaved people, the sugar plantation switched to sharecropping which lengthened the history of African-Americans on the plantation.

[Please note: the Levi Jordan Plantation Site is temporarily closed for renovations.  Please check their website prior to arranging a visit.]

If you found this post useful, be sure to Pin it for later!

Montoya (Monty) Hudson is the founder and primary voice behind The Spring Break Family. She has created informative travel content for families since 2018 by providing practical advice, easy to follow itineraries, and addressing the real challenges of family travel. Since the creation of her family travel blog, she's inspired thousands of families to travel the world with their kids.

Similar Posts

Top 12 Things to do in Venice For Kids

6 Family Friendly Ideas for Spring Break in Houston

The Top 10 Free Things to Do in Orlando With Kids

Top 18 Fun Things to Do in St John USVI: Activities for Adults, Kids, and More

Kids Cooking Classes in Milan

The Top 16 Things to Do With Kids in Waco

Privacy overview.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

To download high-res images, visit photo gallery.

• Privacy Policy
• Film Commission
• Terms of Use

Shop Our Hotel Deals

Black history month: a guide to houston’s african american landmarks.

Black history is layered throughout Houston — you just have to be open to exploring. In a city lauded for its cultural diversity, it should come as no surprise that Houston neighborhoods provide storied pockets that explore African American’s plight, perseverance, and progression throughout history. From green spaces rooted in Emancipation celebrations to arts venues that fostered sounds of soul, these nine Houston African American landmarks are a must-visit during Black History Month and beyond.

FREEDMEN’S TOWN 

Following Texas slaves’ official emancipation in 1865, many migrated to Houston with their newfound freedom — establishing a hub for their community just southwest of Downtown. This slice of the city eventually became known as Freedmen’s Town, gradually developing into an African American cultural center — which housed one-third of Houston’s 36,000 Black residents by 1930 — and has officially been declared a Nationally Registered Historic Landmark. 

A drive or stroll through the storied Fourth Ward cove reveals iconic glimpses of the past like Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the first African American Baptist Church in Houston, founded in 1866 by nine formerly enslaved men and women just seven months after Juneteenth (the first photo on this page); Bethel Park, a unique green space fashioned from the remnants of the famed Reverend Jack Yates’ Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (photo above); and the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum, which is responsible for the preservation of Freedmen’s Town’s most historic homes and community institutions.

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LIBRARY AT THE GREGORY SCHOOL 

Housed in Houston’s first public school for African Americans — Edgar M. Gregory School — the first-of-its-kind library serves as a resource to preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich history and culture of African Americans in Houston, the surrounding region, and the African Diaspora. For the avid researcher, the destination serves as a one-of-a-kind research and cultural center. For the history buff, rare books, archival materials, exhibits, and artifacts abound. And for the recreational preservationist, The Gregory School’s hallowed halls provide an up close view of a State Archeological Landmark. Opt for a guided or self-guided tour.

EMANCIPATION PARK  

Nestled in the heart of Houston’s historically African American neighborhood, Third Ward , Emancipation Park’s roots and land date back to 1872 — when a group of former slaves united to raise $1,000 for the purchase of the 10-acre parcel to be used to host Juneteenth celebrations. After years of preservation and revitalization efforts — a feat that culminated with the park’s current design by internationally lauded African American architect Phil Freelon, who made headlines for his work on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. — Emancipation Park has become a premier greenspace rooted in history. Take advantage of everything from EP’s cultural and recreation centers to its various green areas and walking trails.

ELDORADO BALLROOM

Built in 1939 by renowned Houston architect Lenard Gabert, Eldorado Ballroom was the brainchild of its owner, African American businesswoman Anna Dupree, who wanted to establish a community entertainment venue for black social clubs and other groups in Houston’s historic Third Ward neighborhood. Until it’s ultimate closure in the 1970s, Eldorado hosted countless blues and jazz performances, weekly talent shows, and sock-hops. It has drawn in some of the nation's biggest blues, jazz and R&B musicians, including B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and  Ray Charles. Houston-born musicians such as Sam “Lightening” Hopkins and Johnny “Guitar” Watson honed their skills at the Eldorado and eventually graduated to bigger fame.

Thanks to its affiliation with Project Row Houses , the Eldorado Ballroom still sits in its original space — anchored to Emancipation Avenue, which has since been designated a historic thoroughfare by the city of Houston. The stately destination has since rechanneled its essence as a special events venue.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM   

The African American military experience is on full display at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Dedicated to exploring the stories and contributions of African Americans in the military by way of performing and visual arts, educational programming, and exhibitions, the museum is one that highlights the tradition of valor while paying homage to the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army — the original Buffalo Soldiers. Visit their new exhibition The Blue Helmets in Action , focused on the 93rd Infantry Division, the first African American combat division that was activated during World War II (Feb.1 - June 30, 2024).

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE 

For all things Black culture — whether contemporary or historic, Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is your one-stop shop. Step inside for an all encompassing experience that provides a full education into the progression of African American customs and culture translated through everything from art and lectures to community forums and films. Don´t miss their new exhibitions in February: The Bert Long, Jr. Gallery Spring Survey Exhibition , as well as Pervs, Peppers, and the High Chaparral: Michael Abramson’s Chicago South Side Photographs, both curated by HMAAC’s Chief Curator, Christopher Blay  (Feb.2 - March 30, 2024, with a reception on Feb.2 at 6 p.m.). Admission is always free.

DELUXE THEATER

Head to Houston’s Fifth Ward for a peek inside DeLuxe Theater, one of the city’s original “Blacks Only” movie theaters opened during segregation. The passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 eventually forced this cultural institution into complete vacancy for more than 40 years. Now, DeLuxe’s original bones have been transformed into a performing arts facility, fostering theater arts, art classes, and a gathering place for the community.

1870 Yates House at Sam Houston Park   

Let’s talk about Reverend John Henry “Jack” Yates, an emancipated slave whose impact can be seen across Houston. A pillar of the African American community, Yates’ Greek Revival home was originally erected in Freedmen’s Town a mere five years after Emancipation. This exact house — which was originally stationed at 1318 Andrews Street — now sits at Sam Houston Park on full display for visitors to experience. Its historic interiors have been furnished to depict the family's lifestyle in the late 19th century, and it even showcases some of the furniture that was in the house when the Yates family still lived there.

OLIVEWOOD CEMETERY  

With White Oak Bayou as its backdrop, Olivewood Cemetery — the city’s first incorporated African American cemetery — allows generations of Houstonians to connect to past descendants. The site serves as a resting place for nearly 4,000 African Americans, including freed slaves who migrated following Emancipation. But Olivewood is much more than just ornate statues and gravestones. The cemetery also serves as a historical resource for Black Houstonians looking to discover more about their family history through the cemetery’s own “Descendants of Olivewood” online database.

NEW! HOUSTON SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

If you want to explore African American history, heritage, and modern black-owned businesses through a truly immersive experience, opt for one (or all) Houston Signature Experiences, launched in February 2024. Curated in collaboration with local partners, this collection of five immersive experiences offers you a unique blend of history, untold stories, unique flavors, and the resilience of black entrepreneurs. See more details in our blog post .

Buy Houston Signature Experiences Here

Visit houston.

Black History Tours

Black history tours is a national multicultural student tour operation and destination management company that is dedicated to educating america’s youth about african-american history., the inspiration for the start of black history tours is derived from a strong conviction and realization that empowerment, pride and awareness can make even the most challenging of obstacles, surmountable ones., dedicated to teaching african american history through travel and cultural exposure.

COLLEGE AND HBCU TOURS

BHT can offer you and your college bound high school students a tremendous opportunity to discover and experience the college selection process.

BLACK COLLEGE TOURS

Schools, churches, birthplaces, museums, and national historic sites honoring African Americans, their struggle for equal rights, and their profound contributions.

GAME & HOMECOMING EVENTS

HBCU Classic Football Games have become so popular that every undergraduate dreams of witnessing them. They have become an integral part of the fall athletic environment at HBCU.

HBCU STEM COLLEGE TOURS

October STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) tours provides student with the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops that go beyond the theory.

MARCHING BAND TOURS

We arrange travel, transportation, and accommodations to the premier marching band parade performance events throughout the United States.

PERFORMING ARTS TOURS

Performing arts tours provide performance opportunities for instrumental, vocal, dance and theatre students in middle school, high school and community groups.

Want more information? Our professionals are waiting to assist you.

Our objective, to empower the black community, enriching them with information to develop self-knowledge and identity through tourism, • promote student group tours, educational programs, learning activities, events and exhibitions for institutions and corporate organizations, • encourage talented young african-americans who have the zeal to explore history through participation in organized tours, • organize personalized tours for individuals and corporate organizations interested in sensitizing people about black history.

Increase the interest of the young black community in identifying their rich cultural heritage by organizing mega group tours cutting across the entire nation.

• develop our current tourism products and services by enlarging our horizon nationwide, • exploring further opportunities in the learning and tourism to maximize the number of minority student participants, • collaborate with numerous black heritage organizations, • work with institutions to make our international tours affordable.

HBCUSTEMCOLLEGETOURS.COM

FOLLOW US #BLACKHISTORYTOURS #HBCUSTEMCOLLEGETOURS #FLORIDASTUDENTTOURS

Request Quote     Travel Packages

National Museum of African American History & Culture

• Plan Your Visit
• Group Visits
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Accessibility Options
• Sweet Home Café
• Museum Store
• Museum Maps
• Our Mobile App
• Search the Collection
• Initiatives
• Museum Centers
• Publications
• Digital Resource Guide
• The Searchable Museum
• Exhibitions
• Freedmen's Bureau Search Portal
• Early Childhood
• Talking About Race
• Digital Learning
• Strategic Partnerships
• Ways to Give
• Internships & Fellowships
• Today at the Museum
• Upcoming Events

Ongoing Tours & Activities

• Past Events
• Host an Event at NMAAHC
• About the Museum
• The Building
• Meet Our Curators
• Founding Donors
• Corporate Leadership Councils
• NMAAHC Annual Reports

Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom Highlights Tour

Free; walk-in Tours are subject to docent availability; last minute cancellations may occur.

Subtitle here for the credits modal.

June 29, 2024 90 °F PBS Passport .st0{fill:#0A145A;} .st1{fill:#5680FF;} .st2{fill:#FFFFFF;} UH Search for: Search MENU CLOSE News & Information Features Hello Houston inDepth Topics Local News Texas Education News Politics Criminal Justice Transportation Energy & Environment Weather Hurricane Tracker All Stories >>> Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Main Classical Music Music Opera & Musical Theater Dance Visual Art Literature Theatre & Film Voices and Verses: A Poem-A-Day Series Awareness Hispanic Heritage Pride Month: Better Together! Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Black History Women’s History Education Programs & Podcasts Local Programs Party Politics Houston Matters with Craig Cohen I SEE U Texas Standard UH 100 Years of Houston Bauer Business Focus Briefcase Engines of Our Ingenuity Health Matters UH Moment Features Dead and Buried Career Frontier Podcasts Below the Waterlines: Houston After Hurricane Harvey Party Politics Skyline Sessions Encore Houston All Podcasts >> Support Membership Update Payment Method Upgrade Your Monthly Gift Give a Gift Membership Giving Programs Affinity Council Studio Society In Tempore Legacy Society Innovation Fund Volunteers Foundation Board Young Leaders Council Mission Ambassadors Donations Vehicle Donation Giving Opportunities Employee Match Program More Ways to Give Partnerships Corporate Sponsorship About About Us Meet the Team Join the Team Contact Us Ethics and Standards Reports & Financials Press Room Listen Watch Donate Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Linkedin Mastodon googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1488818411584-0'); }); Arts & Culture

Harris county judge lina hidalgo tours african american art exhibition at holocaust museum for juneteenth.

The Shirley and Bernard Kinsey African American Art Exhibition includes art pieces spanning between 1595 to present day.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo toured the Kinsey African American Art and History collection at the Holocaust Museum to celebrate Juneteenth.

The Shirley and Bernard Kinsey African American Art Exhibition includes art pieces spanning between 1595 up to present day. The collection was assembled during the five decades of the Kinseys' marriage and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Americans.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Shirley and Bernard Kinsey spoke at the Holocaust Museum Wednesday.

"One of the things I was most surprised by; I must admit I did not know about this. There were a million African American troops in Europe in World War II that liberated concentration camps,” Hidalgo said. “There were African American universities that would take Jewish professors when white universities would not, and there were Jewish leaders who would support African American leaders, civil rights leaders, during the Civil Rights movement, so the connection between these two communities is so deep and is so powerful."

Bernard Kensey described the various pieces of artwork. "You will be able to see landscapes from the 19th century in this exhibit. We have the Emancipation Proclamation; September 24, 1862, is when Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. Think about Galveston- it was April 1, 1865, before Black people were free – in Galveston, almost three and a half years of not knowing that they were free, that is what this is about,” Bernard said. “One of the last things is we have the door of No Return from Cape Coast Castle in Africa, from Ghana."

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo toured the exhibit and said it serves as a reminder to embrace all cultures.

"In a place such as Houston, and Harris County- we have so much diversity. This is also a reminder that we are responsible for sharing what we learn here today. For sharing that we have a shared history, that we have a shared history of struggle, a shared history of helping one another,” Hidalgo said. “If we forget to recognize that humanity that we all have in common, then we might give in to the hate, we might give into the dehumanization that is taking so much root today."

The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, rare books, and letters capturing all facets of African American history. Admission is $16 to $22 a ticket and will run through Sunday at 5 p.m. On Wednesday the museum extended its hours until 7 p.m. The last tour of the day ends 30 minutes before the museum closes.

"I want to again thank the Kinsey family and everyone at the Holocaust Museum for helping us remember the important contributions of all of our communities, particularly the African American community, today, on Juneteenth, but also that shared history of struggle and love that we need to continue and that we are responsible for continuing." Judge Hidalgo said.

Resources like these are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Join others and make your gift to Houston Public Media today! DONATE

Sign up for our daily weekday newsletter - hello, houston sign up now.

• Investigates
• Houston Life
• Newsletters

HOUSTON LIFE

Embracing african american heritage on juneteenth with inspiring exhibits and cultural programs.

Immerse yourself in the rich world of African American art and history at the Houston Museum of African American Culture. This non-profit museum offers free, discovery-driven learning that engages visitors of all ages. On Juneteenth, Mel Camp witnessed the powerful and expressive performance by Tha Chocolate Box, as they amplified the voices of Juneteenth, creating an unforgettable experience for all.

MORE VIDEOS

Inside cnn's presidential debate: how it will work, modern dating: do soulmates exist, masking during summer travel, pastor keion d. henderson of the lighthouse church speaks about the ‘cry out experience’ in houston, interview with dr. bob sanborn, did travis scott perform in houston thursday night, ‘covered in her brother’s blood’: mom speaks on teen drunk driving for '100 deadliest days of summer, line outside of trill burgers was stretched out for hours before its 1 year anniversary celebration, fema talks about current disaster declaration, funding, and new programs for texas after storms, low-impact pilates moves for seniors, remembering rev. william a. lawson: wheeler avenue baptist church founder through the eyes of youth, kprc 2’s community summer blood drive with houston christian university’s michael taylor.

Share this story

• 17 Must-Try Steaks in Houston
• Dine Like a Local at These 23 Galveston Restaurants
• Houston’s 17 Essential LGBTQ Bars

9 Houston Restaurants Celebrating African and Latin Flavors

Find tacos dripping in gumbo, soulful crawfish and jambalaya tamales, and much more

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: 9 Houston Restaurants Celebrating African and Latin Flavors

African and Mexican cuisines are both deeply woven into American culinary traditions, producing a fusion born from the shared history of Black Southerners and Mexican braceros and their own take on the power of the masa. But in Houston, it’s not just Black American and Mexican flavors that come together. There are also diverse influences of Afro-Latine heritage, some of which can take a Southern approach, as Mississippi Delta soul food flavors merge with the spice and depth of traditional Mexican cuisine. Think crawfish etouffee and barbecue brisket tamales made with cornmeal instead of masa, reimagined seafood tacos stuffed with fried catfish, and earthy birria remixed into quesabirria tacos.

The throughlines between Houston’s Black American and Latine communities, including their shared histories and flavors, have helped contribute to Houston’s reputation as an iconic food destination. Use this map as a guide to just some of the Houston restaurants and food trucks specializing in exciting Black-Mexican fusions as well as entries from other Afro-Latine cultures that have brought their flavors to the Houston area.

Is your favorite Afro-Latine restaurant missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

CC's Hot Tamales and BBQ

Tucked away in the Two 90 Food Court in Jersey Village, CC’s specializes in Southern comfort-style Delta hot tamales with soul-satisfying fillings like smoked barbecue brisket, Cajun chicken, and beef boudin, among other options. The tamales are served out of a trailer, with the owners’ Mississippi-born roots (and family recipes) underlying the deep tradition apparent in every bite, but you can sit and enjoy your meal at the food truck park’s seating, or take it to go.

• Open in Google Maps

Sazón Garifuna

As the name suggests, this food truck specializes in the flavors of Garifuna people who descend from West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Arawak people. Serving as a mainstay for Houston’s Afro-Latine Garifuna population for years, diners can expect sumptuous dishes like seafood filet, coconut-infused stews, and plantains.

Sweets by Belen

Centering the rich flavors of her Afro-Latina heritage, chef Belen Bailey’s shop is a must-stop for Afro-Latine diners in the area. Though it does have some comfy seating, it’s more of a place to order ahead and pick up. Belen offers delectable Peruvian treats, including her signature alfajores — sandwich cookies filled with creamy dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar. And if you’re looking for savory options, Belen’s Peruvian empanadas are the perfect light bite.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sweets by Belen Dessert Boutique (@sweetsbybelen)

Also featured in:

19 Houston Tres Leches Cakes to Add to Your Bucket List

Black Girl Tamales

​​Chef LaToya’s creations weave together unexpected but harmonious flavors making this delivery app online-only a celebration of Houston’s vibrant African American and Mexican identity. Order the tamales, which are a classic comfort food imbued with Black culinary tradition. Both the jambalaya tamales, packed with rice and studded with chunks of sausage, and the smoked turkey collard green tamales honor the irreplaceable legacy of soul food.

Late August

At his latest restaurant in the Ion, Houston chef Chris Williams celebrates the foodways of Texas, which include a brilliant fusion of Black soul food and Indigenous and Mexican cuisine. Here, diners can find dishes like smoked chicken drumettes with mole and cabrito stew. A stunning field pea hummus comes topped with crunchy chapulines and chorizo, served with luscious fry bread made using Williams’ great-great-grandmother Lucille’s iconic instant biscuit mix. Other can’t-miss plates include the half fried chicken and the completely vegan — but irresistibly creamy — orecchiette pasta drenched in a sauce made from pureed greens and coconut cream.

The 14 Hottest New Restaurants in Houston, June 2024

The Birria Queen

This Houston food truck specializes in all things birria — with birria stew, quesabirria tacos, and a fun fusion of quesadillas stuffed with shrimp, crawfish, and jackfruit, and more classic options like beef and chicken. Beyond the tacos, Birria Queen’s churros are a must-try. This food truck has a regular location in the Alameda Corridor, but it’s also often on the go. Stay up to date with its whereabouts on its Instagram .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Birria Queen ™️ (@thebirriaqueen)

Sign up for the newsletter Eater Houston

Sign up for our newsletter.

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

The Tamale Shakk

This food truck, which won the grand champion title at the Delta Tamale Festival in both 2018 and 2021, expands the unique history of the Mississippi Delta, where Mexican laborers migrated in the early 20th century to seek higher wages for picking cotton, and uses recipes passed down multiple generations. Diners can find beef, chicken, and pork tamales infused with soul food flavors, plus crawfish tacos and quesadillas made with fresh tortillas and the truck’s signature salsa. Locations vary depending on the day of the week.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Tamale Shakk Houston (@thetamaleshakkhouston)

The Gripper Kitchen

The Gripper Kitchen keeps tacos and nachos flowing from its small Pearland store every day of the week. Maybe it’s the peach cobbler tacos that turn the most heads: three crispy, puffed-up shells arrive packed with caramelized peaches, caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, and ice cream. But Gripper’s savory tacos, with fillings that include lobster, shrimp, chicken, and a classic ground beef, are a mainstay at this laid-back spot, too.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Yung Gripper ®️ (@thegripperkitchen)

Supreme Gumbo

With the motto “tacos for the culture,” the already internet-famous Supreme Gumbo feels like a true culinary adventure. The restaurant, now located in Third Ward, has gone viral for its tacos and quesadillas infused with a Southern staple — a rich and savory gumbo that combines Cajun and Mexican flavors in a compelling way. Aside from their saucy renditions of Mexican favorites, Supreme Gumbo also serves smothered and fried catfish, cheesesteak, and plates of oxtail.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Home Of#GumboQuesadillas ™️ (@supremegumbo)

More in Maps

Related maps, follow eater houston online:.

• Follow Eater Houston on Twitter
• Follow Eater Houston on Facebook
• Follow Eater Houston on Youtube
• Follow Eater Houston on Instagram

Site search

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco
• Twin Cities
• Washington DC
• Neighborhoods

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Louisiana Chevron

New Orleans Chevron

10 Black History Tours and Experiences in New Orleans

By Jaha Nailah Avery

New Orleans is one of the most vibrant cities in the world—full of rich history, diverse heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine . And the city’s Black communities and cultures have long been a driving force in shaping New Orleans, which was founded in 1718, into the city we know today. Visitors who only hit Bourbon Street for a hurricane cocktail will largely miss out on the unique and memorable Black experiences that can deepen understanding and appreciation of the very pulse of New Orleans.

From the influence of West and Central Africans who were trafficked to the city through the transatlantic slave trade, to the influence of African Americans born and raised there more recently, there are many tours and experiences uplifting New Orleans’ African and African-American history and culture. From a Black ghost tour (which is incredibly rare to find, due to lack of detailed documentation around Black people in America’s antebellum), to a full day cooking experience centered around the many enslaved cooks that helped the city operate, these tours are sure to ground you in the richness of New Orleans through the city’s most exquisite treasure—her people.

Le Musée de f.p.c.

“Free people of color” (FPC) or gens de couleur libres , was once a legal designation in Louisiana for Black people who were free that included those who were born free and those who were manumitted before the Civil War. Archives show evidence of their presence in New Orleans starting in 1722, and although free Black communities existed all over the US, New Orleans had one of the largest, most economically empowered FPC populations. Le Musée de f.p.c. is one of America’s few attractions dedicated exclusively to preserving the material culture of, and telling the story of, free people of color. The stately home the exhibits sit in is full of historic documents, art, furniture, and photographs that chronicle the rich community of free people of color in New Orleans.

“The Blackest” Ghost Tour

On this walking tour through the French Quarter, discover the haunted history of New Orleans through an Afrocentric lens. Scholars and High Priestesses of Louisiana Plantation Vodou, Malika Hadley Freydberg and Eshé Bleu, lead this tour through the French Quarter, highlighting the experiences of Black people, both enslaved and free. Their lives and deaths are shared through vivid storytelling based on years of archival research and stories passed down in the oral tradition. Each stop along the tour is a location where sightings of their ghosts have occurred throughout the years. From a tragedy at a hotel ballroom to the horrors of the LaLaurie mansion, this tour weaves the supernatural with the historical for a two hour long journey through time.

Tremé Food Tour

Join Hollis Burton, a former Mardi Gras/Second Line King of Tremé, on a walking food tour and bar crawl through the streets of Tremé, the oldest African American neighborhood in the country. On this tour, experience the richness of Tremé’s African American cuisine, from the best seafood restaurants to delectable street fare. Be sure to come hungry! This tour includes very generous samplings of each dish. As you eat, Hollis shares the history of the neighborhood, and how community members are working to preserve its culture in the present day. The tour ends with a delicious daiquiri at one of Tremé’s many jazz clubs.

The Grand Tour’s Hidden History Tour

Louisiana was home to the largest slave revolt in the US, when approximately 500 enslaved people organized across the River Parishes with the plan to descend upon New Orleans and take the city. Through walking and bus tours, writer, researcher, and historian Leon Waters shares information about Black history in New Orleans, with a particular focus on liberation, in both a historical and present-day context. With full day and half day options, this tour includes visits to local neighborhoods, universities, and historic sights, with introductions to Black artists, music, and cuisine.

Gallier House

Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses

The discourse around slavery tends to focus on the horrors of plantation slavery. In contrast, HGGHH focuses on urban enslavement in New Orleans, centering the experiences of enslaved people in homes throughout the French Quarter. Here, you can tour the home, interact with the database of enslaved individuals and learn more about their lives, and engage in various live events. HGGHH also offers full and half day live cooking demonstrations that take you through the daily life of an enslaved chef in the French Quarter, preparing open hearth meals using the same techniques that would have been used in the antebellum era.

All Bout Dat Black heritage and jazz tour

Jazz singer and historian Mikhala Iversen founded All Bout Dat Tours in 2013 to offer African American-led tours of Black life in New Orleans, being intentional about Black stories being told by Black people. Pulling from West African and African American tenets of spirituality, this tour uplifts resistance and resilience, and always includes the power of singing. Iversen also occasionally offers a live jazz and Creole dinner experience.

Bounce, Dance, Twerk, and Walk tour

The New Orleans Bounce Dance has been a part of Louisiana Hip Hop history since 1980. This walking tour starts with a crash course in Bounce history, including nuances that entered the dance after Hurricane Katrina. Self-described “Culture-Bearer and Fierce Fun Leader” Mika Terry leads this high-energy tour through the Saint Claude Arts District, including jello shots, a dance challenge, and an overall good time. Bring comfortable shoes and get ready to learn some new moves, check out local graffiti art, and hit historic sites. The tour ends in front of the world famous Kermit's Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge, where you will put all of your moves together!

Backstreet Cultural Museum

The Backstreet Cultural Museum holds the world’s most comprehensive collection related to New Orleans’s African American community traditions, including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs, Baby Dolls, and Skull and Bone gangs. Tour the exhibits here to observe the intricacy of Mardi Gras costumes up close, and tons of other splendid regalia that has been collected over a period of decades. If you’re lucky, you can also catch one of the museum’s public performances!

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

In 1823, a classic Creole townhouse was constructed in the French Quarter by the first licensed pharmacist in the US. Today, it houses a collection of artifacts documenting the history of pharmacy and medicine in the 19th and 20th centuries, with a special focus on New Orleans. Here, you can learn about medicinal techniques brought to New Orleans by enslaved and free West Africans, and further cultivated by African Americans born in Louisiana. There is also an exhibit highlighting the history of African American Pharmacy in New Orleans.

Louisiana Creole language lessons

In antebellum Louisiana, “Registre des Esclaves” (records of enslaved people), denoted enslaved people born in Louisiana as “Creole.” This was in distinct contrast from enslaved people born in an African country (in which case, the country was listed), and enslaved people born in other parts of the US (who would have been listed as “Negro”). Culturally, influences from West Africans, Europeans, and Native Americans combined to become Louisiana Creole culture. Language activist and entertainer Clif St. Laurent is reclaiming and preserving this culture through offering classes in Louisiana Creole, an endangered language. And you don’t need to leave your home to take part in them—they’re also offered virtually.

The Latest Stories from Condé Nast Traveler

Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips

The 42 Best Things to Do in New York City

The Air France La Première First Class is About To Get Even More Luxurious

Why You Should Ditch the Short-Haul Flight for an Overnight Train

These Are the Foods to Avoid on a Flight

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.