Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour
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Discover the rich history of Black Portlanders on this engaging 2-hour guided walking tour through Portland, Maine. Walk the same streets once trod by heroes like Frederick Douglass and learn how Black communities helped shape the city, state, and even the nation. From founding Maine towns to fighting for civil rights, these stories reveal a side of Portland often overlooked.
Your guide, Dugan Murphy, has spent years digging through archives to bring you stories that most tours miss. Expect a lively narration that highlights the resilience, contributions, and struggles of Black Mainers across history. Along the way, you'll see historic landmarks, hidden sites, and architectural marvels that tell a story of perseverance and influence.
Whether you're a history buff or just curious about Portland's diverse past, this tour offers a meaningful look at how Black Americans helped build and define the city. It's a chance to connect with stories of resistance, achievement, and community that continue to resonate today.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Black History Guided Walking Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers about 1.5 miles through downtown Portland.
What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in English.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it's recommended for adults and children aged 5 to 95. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can ride in strollers.
What’s included in the tour?
Your ticket includes a fully narrated 2-hour guided walk, a 10% discount on water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions provided at booking), and a donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, one of America’s oldest Black churches.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- 10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation)
- Two-hour fully narrated guided tour
- Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, one of America’s oldest Black churches
Not included
- A tip for your guide!
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Your guide Dugan will lead you to key locations related to Black Mainers and their achievements. We'll trace the steps of those who resisted injustice and worked toward equality, shaping Portland and beyond.
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Stop 2
Discover Black history in Maine that predates slavery, revealing a deeper layer of the state's past.
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Stop 3
Hear the story of a 19th-century international activist who was largely unknown but connected to significant movements.
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Stop 4
Learn about the complex history of racial passing at high levels in 19th-century Catholic Maine.
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Stop 5
Dugan guides you to where Black leaders and laborers influenced Portland’s waterfront and political scene, honoring figures like a Black journalist who sought self-determination in Africa.
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Stop 6
Uncover the Black skills and labor behind Portland’s maritime history, often overlooked.
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Stop 7
Admire the architecture and hear stories of how antebellum Black Portland built political influence during a time of widespread denial of rights.
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Stop 8
Explore Portland’s WWII-era Black social scene and meet influential figures from that period.
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Stop 9
Follow Dugan through the Old Port to a historically Black neighborhood on the waterfront, uncovering stories of community, activism, and achievement.
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Stop 10
Learn about a young Black man who defied odds to succeed in the legal field despite obstacles.
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Stop 11
Hear about brave individuals who risked federal prosecution to aid freedom seekers via the Underground Railroad.
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Stop 12
Celebrate a close-knit Black community that collaborated to improve their lives and those around them.
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Stop 13
Discover the vital role Black Portlanders played in the maritime economy during the age of sail.
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Stop 14
Visit the heart of Portland’s civil rights movement and learn about leaders whose influence endures today.
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Stop 15
Hear the story of a Black minister who helped organize expatriate Black Americans to rewrite the US Constitution.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the front steps of First Parish Church
Meet at the front steps of First Parish Church, where your guide will hold a sign that says "Portland by the Foot." Check-in begins 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time. The church is about half a mile from the cruise ship terminal.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $54.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
