Birmingham History Tour: African American Experience

Join Wilhelmina Thomas on an insightful black history tour of Birmingham, Alabama. Discover the true and devastating experiences of African Americans in the most segregated city in the country.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Birmingham - The tour kicks off at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 20th Street North, moving along 20th Street towards 4th Avenue North, highlighting the significant Black contributions to Birmingham’s establishment.
  • 4th Avenue North - This segment of the tour delves into the 1926 Red Line Zoning laws, the Palm Leaf Hotel, and the Chitlin’…
What's Included
  • All applicable taxes and fees
Additional Information

This excursion exposes the harsh reality of everyday life for African Americans in the country’s most segregated city. Guided by Wilhelmina Thomas, a skillful narrator, an expert seamstress, and a crafts activist who was raised in the Riley, Wenonah and Hillman neighborhoods on the western side of Birmingham, Alabama. She went to Wenonah Elementary,…

Location
285 20th St N
20th Street North
285 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206 - on the SouthEast corner of 20th Street North and 3rd Avenue North...This is DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM - not Irondale (please check your GPS)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(31 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Jonathandz6583iw
May 24, 2025
History of Birmingham - I am well pleased with the manner our guide demonstrated as we toured Birmingham the knowledge of the city’s history was amazing the impact of this day unforgettable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vickici1722az
May 7, 2025
April 2025 tour - Five Stars - Our guide, Wilhemina, was so knowledgeable. She is a long-time resident of Birmingham and has given the tour to many guests. The tour was at a comfortable pace and included many lesser known sights as well as key locations. Seeing the theaters and current cultural sights was an appreciated addition. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emilee_s
Apr 17, 2025
Great high-level historical overview - Great high-level history overview of downtown Birmingham with a good mix economic, architectural, Civil Rights and cultural information. Definitely time well-spent and glad we made the stop!
Review provided by Viator
E2165lqamyl
Mar 31, 2025
Wonderful. Thank you. - Wilhelmina was terrific. We enjoyed her knowledge as well as her personality! We thank you for all you information and you showing us your city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass766147
Mar 13, 2025
Great walking tour - This was a great tour! There is a lot of civil rights history in Birmingham. I was the only one on my tour and I learned so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thegazebo242
Jan 21, 2025
Excellent experience. Definitely recommmend - Wilhelmina is an amazing guide. I learned a ton. Definitely recommend. Lots of interesting history and some personal notes really bring it all together.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Koji_s
Dec 30, 2024
The guide and historian,... - The guide and historian, Wilhelmina, shared stories from her deep knowledge. Listening to stories from a person who has close experience of the places gives much more than just reading books. I am so glad that she was available on Christmas day.
Review provided by Viator
Conniefoxlewes
Mar 28, 2025
Worth it! - Interesting information. Lots of personal experience , which got us in to interesting conversations. Would have liked more sequential presentation
Review provided by Viator
Joycea226
Mar 15, 2025
Not what we expected - Guide inserted her current personal politics into our tour. That wasn’t what we signed up for. Our guide did not seem up to date on subject.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_d
May 11, 2025
They didn't show up, got a refund. - They never showed up! The meeting point is in a stupid and illogical location...literally at the end of a random alley! I stayed at the location 10 minutes before start of tour and 15 minutes afterwards and nobody showed up. Very unprofessional from the company. Issued a complaint and got a refund. They didn't even explain why the tour didn't go ahead.
Review provided by Viator
From $50
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).