Visiting sites that honor Black history is more than just a chance to see the sights; it’s a chance to engage with moving tales, pay tribute to traditions, and assist local groups that are preserving them. Across the United States and abroad, there are museums, landmarks, and neighborhoods where Black culture is celebrated and protected. Visiting these places not only deepens understanding of the past but also contributes to local economies and grassroots initiatives. Here are 9 destinations that offer rich historical insight while ensuring your travel dollars help sustain the people who keep these important stories alive.
1. National Museum of African American History and Culture – Washington, D.C.
This Smithsonian museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the breadth of African American history. From slavery to the civil rights movement to modern achievements, its exhibits are immersive and thought-provoking. The museum’s design and storytelling approach make history come alive, drawing visitors into both painful and inspiring narratives. Entry is free, but timed passes are required during peak seasons. Supporting the museum through donations or gift shop purchases helps maintain its programs and outreach efforts, ensuring these vital stories are preserved for future generations.
2. The Legacy Museum – Montgomery, Alabama
Built by the Equal Justice Initiative, The Legacy Museum addresses the history of slavery, segregation, and mass incarceration in America. Located on a former slave warehouse site, it uses multimedia exhibits to connect past injustices to present-day systems. The nearby National Memorial for Peace and Justice honors victims of racial terror lynchings. Visiting both sites offers a comprehensive and emotional experience. Supporting local businesses in Montgomery, many of which are Black-owned, extends the impact of your visit beyond education and into tangible community support.
3. Freedom Trail – Boston, Massachusetts
The Freedom Trail is often associated with colonial history, but it also includes sites significant to Black heritage, such as the African Meeting House, the oldest surviving Black church building in the country. Guided tours by local historians shed light on Boston’s role in the abolitionist movement. Exploring the trail with this broader lens reveals a more inclusive picture of American history. Patronizing neighborhood restaurants and shops along the route directly benefits local communities that work to keep these stories alive for future generations.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Atlanta, Georgia
This park preserves multiple locations tied to Dr. King’s life, including his childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached. Visitors can walk the same streets he did and gain a deeper understanding of his leadership in the civil rights movement. Ranger-led tours add valuable context, connecting King’s legacy to ongoing struggles for equality. Spending time in Atlanta’s historically Black neighborhoods supports local businesses, cultural centers, and preservation projects that maintain the area’s historic integrity and community vibrancy.
5. Greenwood District – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Once known as “Black Wall Street,” the Greenwood District was a thriving African American business community before being destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Today, the area is undergoing revitalization, with museums, murals, and cultural events honoring its legacy. The Greenwood Rising History Center offers a moving account of both the prosperity and the tragedy. Supporting modern-day Black-owned businesses in the district helps sustain its rebirth and ensures that the lessons of its history remain part of the national conversation.
6. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway – Maryland
This scenic driving route follows the paths that Harriet Tubman used to lead enslaved people to freedom. Interpretive centers and preserved sites along the way tell her story in vivid detail. Visitors can stop at towns and landmarks where Tubman’s courage changed lives forever. Traveling this route is both a history lesson and a way to engage with rural communities that benefit from tourism. Buying locally made goods along the byway directly supports the residents who help maintain these important historical landscapes.
7. New Orleans African American Museum – Louisiana
Located in the historic Tremé neighborhood, this museum celebrates African American art, culture, and history in one of the nation’s most vibrant cities. Exhibits explore everything from African heritage to jazz’s cultural roots. The surrounding area is filled with locally owned restaurants, music venues, and markets that embody the spirit of New Orleans. Visiting here offers a cultural immersion that goes beyond the museum walls, making it easy for travelers to contribute to the preservation of a community rich in heritage and creativity.
8. Fort Mose Historic State Park – Florida
Fort Mose holds the distinction of being the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States. Established in 1738 by formerly enslaved people fleeing the British colonies, it stands as a powerful symbol of resistance and freedom. The park features a museum and reenactments that bring its history to life. Admission fees and donations go toward preservation efforts, while nearby St. Augustine offers additional opportunities to support local businesses rooted in the area’s diverse cultural history.
9. Bronzeville – Chicago, Illinois
Known as the “Black Metropolis,” Bronzeville was a hub for African American culture during the Great Migration. Today, it boasts historic landmarks, art installations, and vibrant music venues that honor its past. Walking tours explore the neighborhood’s role in shaping jazz, blues, and literature. Supporting its restaurants, bookstores, and galleries keeps Bronzeville’s creative spirit alive. The community’s ongoing revitalization makes it a compelling example of how preserving Black history can go hand-in-hand with supporting modern-day economic growth and cultural innovation.