Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour

Charleston’s African-American heritage is a compelling story waiting to be uncovered. This guided tour provides a profound two-hour exploration, delving into the trials and triumphs of the local community. Participants will visit significant sites like the Philip Simmons House Museum and Mother Emanuel AME Church, guided by expert docents who shed light on the region’s historical class divisions and cultural contributions. At just $37.33 per person, it’s a valuable opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of this integral part of Charleston’s history. What secrets might this immersive experience unveil?

Key Points

• Immersive 2-hour tour exploring Charleston’s 350-year-old African-American community, including visits to the Philip Simmons House Museum and Mother Emanuel AME Church.
• Guided walk along America Street, a historically significant site for Charleston’s Black heritage, with insights into community trials and tribulations.
• Admission to the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art and Philip Simmons House, showcasing the cultural contributions of local African-American artists and metalworkers.
• Expert docents provide engaging storytelling and in-depth historical insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of Charleston’s vibrant African-American legacy.
• Wheelchair accessible tour with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance, ensuring a consistent and inclusive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour," is a two-hour exploration of Charleston’s 350-year-old African-American community.

Priced from $37.33 per person, it’s led by expert docents and offered in English.

The tour’s highlights include visiting the Philip Simmons House Museum, seeing the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and learning about historical class divisions in Charleston.

It’s wheelchair accessible, and there’s a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

The meeting point is the sidewalk outside the Philip Simmons House, where guests should arrive 5 minutes early.

Tour Highlights

This 2-hour African-American history tour of Charleston offers a captivating exploration of the city’s 350-year-old Black community.

Visitors will visit the Philip Simmons House Museum, dedicated to a prominent African-American artist, and see Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest AME church in the southern U.S.

The tour also covers historical class divisions in Charleston, providing valuable insights into the trials and tribulations faced by the community.

Guided by expert docents, the tour includes a walk along America Street, significant to Charleston’s African-American heritage, and admission to the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art and Philip Simmons House.

Experience Details

Guided by expert docents, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of Charleston’s rich African-American history.

Along the way, they’ll:

• Walk down America Street, a significant site in the city’s African-American heritage.
• Understand the trials and tribulations faced by the community over the centuries.
• Visit the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art to appreciate the cultural contributions of the local artists.
• Tour the Philip Simmons House Museum, honoring a prominent African-American metalsmith.
• Stand in awe of the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest AME church in the southern United States.

This immersive experience provides in-depth historical insights, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Charleston’s African-American legacy.

Customer Feedback

Travelers who’ve experienced the Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour consistently praise the expertise of the docents and the depth of historical insights provided.

With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 17 reviews, the tour is a hit with visitors. Guests highlight the guides’ engaging storytelling and their ability to bring the community’s trials and tribulations to life.

The tour also receives high marks for its value, with reviewers noting it provides great bang for your buck.

Whether you’re interested in Charleston’s 350-year-old African-American heritage or simply seeking an enriching cultural experience, this tour delivers.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Booking Information

Visitors can reserve the Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour without upfront payment, allowing for convenient booking.

The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring an enriching experience regardless of weather conditions. Guests can check availability and starting times to plan their schedule accordingly.

The tour also offers the flexibility of a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Key booking details include:

• Reserve now & pay later
• Check availability for starting times
• Tour operates rain or shine
• Full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance
• Wheelchair accessible

Explore Charleston’s African-American Community

The Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour offers a captivating exploration of Charleston’s 350-year-old African-American community.

Guided by expert docents, visitors walk along America Street, significant to the city’s Black history. They’ll learn about the trials and tribulations faced by the community over the centuries.

The tour includes a visit to the Philip Simmons House Museum, dedicated to a prominent African-American artist. Guests also see Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest AME church in the southern U.S.

Throughout the experience, they gain in-depth historical insights into the class divisions that have shaped Charleston’s development.

Visit the Philip Simmons House

On the Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour, guests have the opportunity to explore the Philip Simmons House Museum, dedicated to the life and work of a prominent African-American artist.

The museum offers a unique glimpse into Simmons’ legacy, showcasing:

• His exquisite wrought-iron artwork, which graces homes and buildings throughout Charleston
• Simmons’ personal tools and workspace, providing insights into his creative process
• Exhibits highlighting his role in preserving and promoting African-American metalsmithing traditions
• Archival photographs and documents chronicling Simmons’ life and impact on the community
• Interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the significance of Simmons’ work and its enduring influence.

Significant Sites in Charleston’s History

Beyond exploring the Philip Simmons House, the Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour delves into other significant sites that illustrate the community’s rich heritage.

Guests visit Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest AME church in the southern U.S. and a pivotal landmark in the Civil Rights Movement. They also walk along America Street, a historically significant area for Charleston’s African-American population.

Throughout the tour, the expert docents provide engaging stories and in-depth historical insights into the trials and tribulations faced by the local community over the centuries, offering a comprehensive understanding of this vibrant 350-year-old legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear on the Tour?

For a walking tour like this, it’s best to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Opt for layers in case the temperature changes, and bring any necessary mobility aids. The tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally permitted to take photographs during the tour, but they should be respectful of the sites and follow any instructions from the guide. It’s best to avoid disrupting the tour or infringing on others’ experiences.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for seniors and students. Customers aged 65+ and students with valid IDs can receive a 10% discount on the tour price. Discounts must be requested at the time of booking.

How Far Is the Meeting Point From Nearby Parking?

The meeting point is located outside the Philip Simmons House at 30-1/2 Blake Street. There’s no information provided on nearby parking, but visitors are advised to arrive 5 minutes early to find suitable parking.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time?

Participants can leave the tour group at any time, though it’s recommended to stay with the group to fully experience the guided historical insights. Departing early may result in missing important aspects of the tour.

Recap

The "Charleston: African-American History & Simmons House Tour" offers a profound and immersive exploration of the city’s rich African-American heritage. Guided by expert docents, you will visit significant sites, including the Philip Simmons House Museum and Mother Emanuel AME Church, learning about the community’s trials and triumphs. This tour is a valuable opportunity for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Charleston’s historical class divisions and cultural contributions.

You can check if your dates are available here: