African American Heritage Walking Tour in Annapolis

Begin the experience with a 20-minute stop at the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial located along the sidewalk at City Dock in historic Annapolis. Travelers will view this powerful monument that honors the triumph of the human spirit, family connections, and cultural heritage, while learning how it commemorates African ancestors and all who arrived in bondage. Entry to this public landmark is included on the guided walk, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the group gathers outdoors near the waterfront.

Spend 20 minutes at the Thurgood Marshall Memorial on State Circle to honor one of the premier legal minds and civil rights pioneers in American history. Guests will learn about Baltimore-born Marshall's rise from law school to becoming the first African American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as his iconic work with the NAACP. This outdoor stop is included as part of the tour route, and visitors should dress appropriately for walking outdoors between historical stops.

Spend 30 minutes visiting the historic Maryland State House, a building deeply intertwined with African American history, from its initial construction by enslaved laborers to the passage of landmark civil rights laws. Travelers will learn how legendary Marylanders like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Thurgood Marshall are permanently honored within these halls.

Spend 45 minutes exploring the surrounding streets of the Colonial Annapolis Historic District, learning about the city's past as a primary entry point during the transatlantic slave trade and its transformation into a thriving hub for free Black enterprise and civil rights activism. Travelers will walk through the historic district as the guide brings the heritage of the Underground Railroad and local Black history to life. The physical demand consists of moderate walking over city pavement, making comfortable walking shoes essential.