Georgetown may be known today for its historic charm, upscale boutiques, and gourmet restaurants, but beneath its polished exterior lies a rich and often overlooked history. Once home to a thriving African American community, Georgetown's past tells the story of resilience, achievement, and the enduring impact of Black citizens who helped shape one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods. At its peak, African Americans made up nearly 30% of the area’s population, with generations of free Black residents and descendants of enslaved people leaving their mark on the community.
This walking tour offers a deep dive into Georgetown’s Black history, shedding light on the stories that history books often leave untold. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you'll uncover the narratives of individuals who built businesses, advocated for change, and created a lasting legacy. The journey begins at 3206 O Street NW and winds through significant sites before concluding at the historic Mt. Zion/Female Union Band Cemetery, one of the most important African American burial grounds in the city.
Along the way, enjoy a midway stop at Thomas Sweet Shop, where you can take a break, grab a refreshment, and reflect on the powerful stories you’ve encountered. By the end of this tour, you'll see Georgetown through a new lens—one that highlights the strength, culture, and contributions of the Black community that helped shape its history.
Georgetown may be known today for its historic charm, upscale boutiques, and gourmet restaurants, but beneath its polished exterior lies a rich and often overlooked history. Once home to a thriving African American community, Georgetown's past tells the story of resilience, achievement, and the enduring impact of Black citizens who helped shape one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods. At its peak, African Americans made up nearly 30% of the area’s population, with generations of free Black residents and descendants of enslaved people leaving their mark on the community.
This walking tour offers a deep dive into Georgetown’s Black history, shedding light on the stories that history books often leave untold. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you'll uncover the narratives of individuals who built businesses, advocated for change, and created a lasting legacy. The journey begins at 3206 O Street NW and winds through significant sites before concluding at the historic Mt. Zion/Female Union Band Cemetery, one of the most important African American burial grounds in the city.
Along the way, enjoy a midway stop at Thomas Sweet Shop, where you can take a break, grab a refreshment, and reflect on the powerful stories you’ve encountered. By the end of this tour, you'll see Georgetown through a new lens—one that highlights the strength, culture, and contributions of the Black community that helped shape its history.
Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.
If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.
No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.
Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.
If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.
No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.