Black Museums, Art Galleries And Tours

The National Museum of African-American History & Culture

The National Museum of African-American History & Culture opened to the public on September 24, 2016, with loads of fanfare, rave reviews, and record-breaking lines. Interest in the museum was so vast that admission was based on reserving date and time entry passes. It was the hottest free ticket in town.  Everyone wanted to get inside to see the first and only museum devoted exclusively to telling the story of the Blacks in America.

From the building’s architecture to the gorgeously designed exhibits, the museum is a feast for the eyes and the senses. To date, the museum has collected more than 40,000 artifacts. It covers history from indentured to chattel slavery, emphasizing the wealth that was built in this country on the backs of Black people. As you rise through each level the story continues, through Jim Crow, Civil Rights, and into modern times. Events and artifacts from the seemingly mundane, like a pair of Run DMC Adidas sneakers, to the historic and iconic lunch stools and counter from the Greensboro are represented.   

The journey through the museum is designed to begin on the lower level, covering the slavery narrative. As you rise, so does the narrative of our history full of accomplishments both large and small in all areas of life, from science to politics, education, entertainment, and more. Here’s a pro tip: wear comfortable shoes. While I was better prepared the second time around, the walk on those hard concrete floors is unforgiving. If you can, make it a two-day trip; the museum is so full of detail, that it is difficult to take it all in with just one visit. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560 844-750-3012

The National Museum of African Art

The concept for the National Museum of African Art started with one man who garnered a love for the art and the culture with the purchase of one statue. As his collection grew, so did his drive to share the artwork with the world. From the basement of a townhome on Capitol Hill to the acquisition of the former home of abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, to petitioning congress for the Smithsonian Institute to take over the collection, Warren M. Robbins saw his mission through to fruition.

The fact that a White man was at the helm of this mission was not lost on anyone. His response? You don’t have to be Chinese to appreciate ancient ceramics! Thus, from the initial inception of the museum named, “The Frederick Douglass Institute of Negro Arts and History” to its current inception, the goal has remained the same: to educate and promote cultural communication through the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of African art.

The museum is known for curating a heavy schedule of workshops, seminars, and events focused on African art, fashion, film, music, movement, and culture. Permanent exhibitions include Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa’s Arts and Currents: Water in African Art. 950 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20560 202-633-4600 

KB Tours (AA Heritage Tours)

If you are looking for a tour of DC that centers around history, culture, education, and landmarks of the Black influence in the nation’s Capital, then KB Tours has an experience for you. The heritage series includes:

• The Daily African American Heritage Tour of DC — A four-hour tour with stops at The Frederick Douglass Home, Carter G. Woodson Home, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and more.
• The African-American History Night Tour — Gives participants a unique view of popular landmarks under the cover of nightfall, beautifully lit. Stops include the King Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the African-American Civil War Memorial, and more.
• VIP Washington, DC Private Bus Tour — If you are planning group travel and have an idea of what special sites would be most meaningful to you, this is the tour to take. Work with KB to design a tour that will fit the needs and interests of your group to design a unique itinerary. 
• Washington, DC Family Reunion Tour — DC is a popular family reunion city, and KB Tours is capable of touring from 20-200 people. This tour includes six stops. They will also arrange for the group to have a guided tour the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

All tours include stops and drive-by locations. Some tours include stops for meals at DC hotspots like Oohs & Ahhs Soul Food Restaurant, with pre-paid and selected meals. KB also offers virtual tours of select sites. 202-355-5579

Capital Buddy Tour

If you are looking for a truly unique tour experience that takes you well off the beaten path and down a lane of Black history not easily accessible or well known, then Capital Buddy Tour is for you. They offer four main tours but will also work with you to arrange a private, group or custom experience. The standard tours are:

• The DC Black History Night Tour — On this tour you will see the statue of the city’s beloved, twice elected (after a public scandal) Mayor Marion Barry and the site of a slave auction block near Senate Circle.
• DC Underground Railroad Tour — This tour features the cemetery where runaway slaves hid during their trip north, the African-American Civil War Museum, and Howard University.
• The DC Chocolate City Day Tour — On this tour you will visit the Metropolitan AME Church, the oldest Black church in the district, and sites of the slave camps where slaves were held during purchase and transport.
• The DC Black Museum Hop On/Hop Off Tour — This tour offers a north and south route. Each route gives you on and off access to about 8 locations. The tours run roughly from 10 AM – 3 PM.

For each tour, there is a list provided on the site giving you tips on what to wear and/or bring to prepare yourself for the optimum experience. Capital Buddy Tours also advises to text for tour availability prior to registration. 202-340-2017

Georgetown African American Historic Landmark Project & Tour (GAAHLPT)

A visit to Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood today would not elicit visions of former slaves and free Blacks living in and making up at least 30% of the population. However, according to, Black Georgetown Remembered, “In 1800, Georgetown and some areas outside of Georgetown’s current boundaries had a population of 5,120, including 1,449 slaves and 277 free blacks.” The grandfather of Neville Waters, a sixth generation Georgetowner, purchased their home on P Street in 1925 for $2,000. His family still retains ownership of the home.

GAAHLPT offers guided group, and self-guided tours of the area. Group and guided tours must be scheduled.  You may use the map found on their website to navigate a tour of over 90 landmarks in the area filled with historical facts about the people of color who lived and thrived in this community. For example, 1208 30^th Street was the residence of Dr. James Fleet who purchased the property in 1843 for $800. Dr. Fleet was able to receive his medical education through the American Colonization Society, whose goal was to return freed slaves to Africa once the education was complete. Dr. Fleet refused the ticket back and spent his career as a teacher, never practicing medicine. For interesting history and to find out how you can assist this organization visit their website linked above.

African-American Civil War Museum

So much history in the US is covered up and forgotten. In most cases the people, events, and contributions that are ripped from history are that of Blacks in America. This museum was created to ensure that the lives of the United States Colored Troops who fought for freedom in and for their country are retained and memorialized.

The museum opened its doors in 1999. The exhibit’s narrative “From Civil War to Civil Rights” focuses on the role of the otherwise forgotten soldiers, their battles won and lost, and the conditions they had to endure. Currently tours of the museum are by appointment only. It is located in the historic U Street District at 1925 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 202-667-2667.