Saturday, May 27th

The African American Heritage Tour of Portsmouth

Thank you for your interest in the tour. Unfortunately all of the available spots have filled. We encourage you to participate in your own, self-guided tour following the itinerary below.
Join us for the African-American Heritage Tour of Portsmouth, Virginia. In this free, 3-hour tour, you’ll learn about Portsmouth in the civil rights era, with moving performances, photo exhibits and more.

THE HERITAGE TOUR

Boarding Begins at 2pm

Climb aboard an air conditioned coach, get comfortable, and prepare for an on-time departure at 2:10pm.

First Stop

The Historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church a major stop along the Underground Railroad.

Performance from History Alive

A Change is Gon’ Come: Songs and Stories of the Civil Rights Movement

Bus departs at 3:05pm

Second Stop

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

I Am A Man: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement in the South 1960-70

Program of Exhibits USA, national division of the Mid-America Arts Alliance and The National Endowment for the Arts.

Coretta: A Legacy of Love

Performance by Valerie Davis

Hailed as the first lady of the Civil Rights Movement, Coretta Scott King comes to life in this moving performance by Valerie Davis. From her marriage to an American icon to her life as a political activist, she is a legend in her own right.

Bus departs at 4:05pm

Final Stop

Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum

Special Exhibit: In the post-World War II era, “Baseball was king” in the sports world of Hampton Roads, especially in the African American community. Discover the joy of baseball among Portsmouth’s Black community in the mid-20th century by learning about some of its best-known players, teams, and ballparks at this new exhibit at the Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum.

Bus departs at 4:45pm and returns to the Festival

Tour Supported by:

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
The City of Portsmouth
Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum
Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
History Alive
Arts for Learning:
The Virginia Affiliate of Young Audiences
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