Discover the history of Charleston’s 350-year-old African community with visits to several sites of historical interest and significance.

 

EXPERIENCE:

Start the tour at the Philip Simmons House where one of the greatest African-American artists of the 20th century created a lifetime of beauty. Led by museum docents, learn more about the humble life of a great Charleston artisan.

After the museum visit, walk down America Street, the heart of Charleston’s African-American community. Along the way, learn about and witness the trials and tribulations of the past and present. Briefly stop at the edge of the African-American community where you’ll see a powerful visualization of class division.

Finally, walk to Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest AME church in the southern United States. Learn about how free African Americans came together to form flourishing communities and houses of worship.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Learn about Charleston’s African-American community
Explore the Philip Simmons House Museum
See the historic Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Learn about the history of class division in the city

 

 

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