Charleston’s historic streets hold countless untold stories, many of which have long been overlooked. The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour aims to change that, shining a light on the lesser-known narratives that have shaped the city’s rich African American heritage. Led by acclaimed historian Damon Fordham, this intimate 2-hour guided experience takes participants on a journey through time, uncovering the faded tales that have too often been forgotten. From the Jehu Junes Hotel to the iconic Catfish Row, each stop promises to reveal a new layer of Charleston’s complex and captivating past. Those seeking to uncover the city’s hidden histories won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.
Key Points
- A 2-hour walking tour led by a licensed guide that explores the lesser-known histories and narratives of Charleston’s African American community.
- Key stops include the Jehu Junes Hotel site, Catfish Row, Charleston Waterfront Park, the Heyward-Washington House, and the Old Slave Art Museum.
- Provides insights into the city’s complex history and the fading stories of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church.
- Ideal for an intimate and informative experience, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers.
- Offers a flexible cancellation policy and accessibility features for a convenient and enjoyable tour.
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Tour Overview
The 2-hour Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour is narrated by writer, historian, educator, and licensed tour guide Damon Fordham.
This unique tour offers participants the opportunity to experience stories about Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church that have faded from memory.
Throughout the tour, visitors will walk by historical Charleston sites like the Old Slave Mart Museum and the Heyward-Washington House, learning about the untold narratives of Black Charleston.
The tour covers several key stops, including the Jehu Junes Hotel site, Catfish Row (the setting for the opera Porgy and Bess), Charleston Waterfront Park, and the Old Slave Art Museum.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and informative experience.
Tour Stops
The tour takes visitors to several key stops throughout Charleston, including the Jehu Junes Hotel site, where they’ll learn about the historical significance of this location.
Next, the tour explores Catfish Row, the setting for the iconic opera Porgy and Bess, providing insights into the neighborhood’s past.
Participants then visit the Charleston Waterfront Park, a scenic area with important ties to the city’s African American heritage.
The tour also includes stops at the Heyward-Washington House and the Old Slave Art Museum, offering opportunities to delve deeper into Charleston’s complex history.
Throughout the journey, the guide shares compelling stories that have often been overlooked, shedding light on the lost narratives of Black Charleston.
Tour Logistics
Typically, the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour begins at Buxton Books, 160 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, and ends back at the same meeting point.
Travelers can expect a maximum group size of 20 participants, with confirmation provided within 48 hours of booking.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring accessibility for all guests.
The meeting location and endpoint make it convenient for travelers to start and end their exploration of Black Charleston’s forgotten histories.
The tour’s logistics are designed to provide a comfortable and inclusive experience for participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the captivating narratives brought to life by the tour guide.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can cancel their Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t accepted.
If poor weather forces the tour’s cancellation, the organizers offer participants a different date or a full refund.
The cancellation policy provides flexibility for travelers while ensuring the tour’s reliability. This policy allows participants to plan their schedules accordingly and receive a full refund if they need to cancel in advance.
In the event of a tour cancellation due to inclement weather, the organizers work to accommodate travelers by offering alternative dates or a complete refund, prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Reviews
Across 327 reviews, the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour has earned a Badge of Excellence for its highly rated and informative experience. Travelers consistently praise the tour guide, Damon Fordham, for his engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of Charleston’s hidden African American history. Many note how the tour provides a fresh perspective, uncovering little-known narratives that have faded from memory. The walking route is also commended for its carefully curated stops, allowing visitors to connect with the city’s past in a meaningful way. The tour receives glowing reviews for its ability to enlighten and captivate.
| Review Score | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 258 |
| 4 stars | 55 |
| 3 stars | 9 |
| 2 stars | 3 |
| 1 star | 2 |
Jehu Junes Hotel Site
The tour begins at the former site of the Jehu Junes Hotel, a historic African American-owned hotel that hosted prominent Black figures during Charleston’s segregation era.
As the group gathers, Fordham recounts the hotel’s rich history and its importance as a hub for the Black community.
Visitors learn about:
- The hotel’s founders, Jehu and Maria Junes, who opened the hotel in the late 1800s
- Notable guests such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, who stayed at the Jehu Junes while visiting Charleston
- The hotel’s role as a gathering place for civil rights meetings and social events
- How the site reflects the vibrant Black entrepreneurship that thrived in Charleston despite the constraints of segregation.
Catfish Row
From the historic Jehu Junes Hotel, the group heads to Catfish Row, the setting for the iconic opera Porgy and Bess. Once a thriving African American community, Catfish Row now stands as a testament to Charleston’s complex history. The tour guide shares stories of the residents who called this place home, the challenges they faced, and the resilience they displayed.
| Catfish Row | Significance |
|---|---|
| Historical African American Community | Represented the struggles and resilience of the black population |
| Setting for Porgy and Bess | Highlighted the cultural richness and narratives of the people |
| Evolving Landscape | Showcased the changing face of Charleston over time |
| Storytelling Platform | Preserved the often-overlooked histories of the marginalized |
Charleston Waterfront Park
Strolling along the Charleston Waterfront Park, the tour participants gain insight into the city’s maritime history and the pivotal role the harbor played in the transatlantic slave trade.
They’ll learn about the bustling port that once received millions of enslaved Africans, and how the wealth generated from this cruel trade shaped the city’s infrastructure and culture.
The tour also highlights the park’s more recent history, including its transformation into a popular public space and the memorials that honor the victims of slavery.
Visitors can take in the stunning views of the harbor and reflect on Charleston’s complex past, leaving with a deeper understanding of the city’s lost Black stories.
Explore the harbor’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Learn about the wealth generated from the cruel practice of slavery.
Discover memorials honoring the victims of this history.
Take in the stunning views of the Charleston harbor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Does the Tour Run?
The tour runs regularly, with the frequency typically depending on demand. According to the information provided, the tour is offered with a maximum of 20 travelers per tour.
What Is the Average Group Size?
The average group size for this tour is 20 travelers. The tour has a maximum capacity of 20 people, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience as visitors explore the historical sites and stories.
Are There Any Discounts Available?
The tour does not advertise any discounts, but it’s best to check with the tour operator directly as they may offer discounts for seniors, students, or other groups. Confirming any available discounts when booking the tour is recommended.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers private tours for groups of up to 20 people, allowing for a more personalized experience tailored to the group’s interests.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children. It offers a unique and engaging educational opportunity for families, with a focus on historical stories and sites that can appeal to all ages.
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Recap
The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour provides an insightful exploration of the city’s African American heritage.
Led by historian Damon Fordham, the tour delves into lesser-known narratives, offering an intimate and informative experience.
Participants can uncover the faded stories that have shaped Charleston’s complex past, from the Jehu Junes Hotel site to Catfish Row and the Charleston Waterfront Park.
