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GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Downtown & Southeast Lancaster
WHAT TO EXPECT
​Our tours will help you gain insight into the roots of African American history in Lancaster and the surrounding counties. You will learn about the roles of African American abolitionists, freedom seekers, civil rights activists, and African American business owners and pioneers. You will also discover the roles of various city churches in the African American experience and much more!
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE WALKING TOUR DOWNTOWN LANCASTER
Focused largely on the Underground Railroad, including four authenticated sites, tour features African agency and resistance to an institution that has kinship to economic, political, and social/cultural forces which fueled the nation’s early growth and beyond; an institution which dehumanized the enslaved and enslaver alike. Because the Underground Railroad was by necessity secret, uncovering the details of its existence has required a great deal of detective work. Local African American history, such as that shared on this tour, is the vital lifeblood that gives rise to an authentic national history. This tour includes the latest research and recent discoveries which further reveal the rich fabric of African American history in Lancaster before and after the Civil War. No reservations needed.
Saturdays: May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7
Depart from City of Lancaster Visitor Center 11 AM & 2 PM. 2 hours
FARES
Adult$17 / Senior (65 and older) $10 / Students (6-18) $5 / Under 6 Free
(Van tour, rather than walking tour, at 2:00p.m. for July and August only, due to heat of summer.)
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC SOUTHEAST LANCASTER
The Southeast Area tour highlights that liberation is up to African Americans, whose experiences represent a complex connection to their past—both the trauma of enslavement and the resilience of their heritage. This tour brings to life the triumph of the African American community as it built a culture of service, faith, and social activism, alongside the tragedy of Urban Renewal, which saw the demolition of 14 square blocks of thriving businesses, churches, and civic associations. The fabric of the community was ruptured as individual homes were replaced with public housing and vibrant community spaces were obliterated. This tour traces the life stream and economic castration of that community, which was attacked by the policy of Urban Renewal, but which has not been forgotten or erased. No reservations needed.
Saturdays: May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14
Depart from Crispus Attucks Community Center 11 AM and 2:00 PM
FARES
Adult$17/ Senior (65 and older) $10 / Students (6-18) $5 / Under 6 Free
(Van tour, rather than walking tour, at 2:00p.m. for July and August only, due to heat of summer.)
NEW COMBINED BUS TOUR
Experience the highlights of both of our walking tours: African American Heritage and Underground Railroad sites in Downtown Lancaster and the Historic Southeast Area. Our small motor coach seats 13 passengers. This 2.5 hour tour is offered the last Saturday of the month, December-April and departs from the lobby of the Marriott Hotel on Penn Square.
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Sign up with Sylvia Cavanaugh (262) 894-0203, or cavanaughpoet@gmail.com