Exploring the forgotten history of slavery in New York City, the Slavery and African American History Private Tour offers a profound and eye-opening experience. Led by expert historians, this tour delves into the lesser-known connections between the African slave trade and the rise of Wall Street. Visitors will uncover the hidden stories behind the construction of historic sites, confront the uncomfortable truths of the past, and gain a deeper understanding of the lasting impacts on local communities. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to broaden your perspective, this tour promises a powerful and multilingual journey through a complex and crucial chapter of America’s history.
Key Points
• This private tour offers a deep dive into the forgotten history of the African slave trade economy in downtown New York, led by expert historians.
• Visitors can choose between a 2-hour or 3-hour tour, exploring historic buildings with connections to slavery and the rise of Wall Street.
• The tour highlights the former slave market at Wall Street, Trinity Church’s ties to the slave trade, and the Fraunces Tavern’s links to the American Revolution and slavery.
• The 3-hour option includes a visit to the African Burial Ground National Monument, a significant site for African American history.
• The tour is wheelchair-friendly, accessible, and available in multiple languages, catering to the needs of diverse visitors.
Tour Overview
The tour offers visitors the opportunity to uncover the forgotten history of the African slave trade economy that once thrived in downtown New York.
Led by expert historians, the tour explores historic buildings constructed with the forced labor of enslaved Africans.
Guests can choose between a 2-hour or 3-hour excursion, both of which highlight key sites and reveal the hidden links between slavery and Wall Street.
Participants will see the former slave market, visit Trinity Church and Fraunces Tavern, and, for the longer option, tour the African Burial Ground National Monument.
Accessible and offered in multiple languages, this private tour provides an in-depth look at African American history in a compelling and informative way.
Tour Highlights
Guests on the Slavery and African American History Tour can expect to see the former slave market at Wall Street, where enslaved Africans were once bought and sold.
The tour also visits Trinity Church, which has ties to the slave trade, and Fraunces Tavern, a historic site with connections to the American Revolution and slavery.
Participants will discover the hidden links between slavery and the rise of Wall Street as a financial center.
For the 3-hour option, the tour includes a visit to the African Burial Ground National Monument, a significant historical site honoring the lives of free and enslaved Africans who lived and died in colonial New York.
Tour Details
The Slavery and African American History Tour of New York City runs for either 2 or 3 hours, catering to guests’ preferences. Multilingual history experts lead the tours, fluent in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Accessibility is ensured, as the tour is wheelchair-friendly. Groups can opt for a private tour experience.
The 2-hour tour covers the former slave market at Wall Street, Trinity Church, and Fraunces Tavern, uncovering the hidden links between slavery and Wall Street.
The 3-hour option also includes a visit to the African Burial Ground National Monument, providing a deeper dive into the forgotten history of the African slave trade economy in Downtown New York.
What’s Included
A Slavery and African American History Tour of New York City is included, led by knowledgeable history experts fluent in the language of your choice. The tour follows an itinerary focused on places, events, and people related to African American history, revealing the hidden links between slavery and Wall Street. Guests can choose between a 2-hour or 3-hour tour, with the longer option including free admission to the African Burial Ground National Monument. Throughout the experience, the guide will share historical facts and myths about slavery in New York City, providing an immersive and educational journey into the forgotten history of the African slave trade economy.
| What’s Included | 2-Hour Tour | 3-Hour Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Slavery & African American History Tour | ✓ | ✓ |
| History Expert Guide | ✓ | ✓ |
| Language Options | English, French, German, Italian, Spanish | English, French, German, Italian, Spanish |
| Itinerary Focused on African American History | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free Admission to African Burial Ground | X | ✓ |
Meeting Point
Beginning the tour, guests will meet their guide in front of the Benjamin Franklin Statue, located opposite Pace University at One Pace Plaza in New York, NY 10038.
This easily accessible meeting point is centrally located in downtown Manhattan, allowing participants to conveniently gather before embarking on the insightful exploration of the city’s forgotten African American history.
From this starting point, the knowledgeable guide will lead the group through the streets, sharing captivating stories and guiding them to the significant sites that played a crucial role in the dark legacy of slavery in New York.
With the meeting logistics taken care of, guests can look forward to an immersive and enlightening experience on this private tour.
Exploring Wall Street’s Slave Market
From the Benjamin Franklin Statue, the tour heads directly to the former site of New York’s 18th-century slave market on Wall Street, where guides share the sobering history of this notorious trading post. Once a bustling hub of the transatlantic slave trade, the cobblestones of Wall Street are steeped in the painful legacy of human bondage. As visitors stand on the very ground where enslaved Africans were bought and sold, they gain a visceral understanding of the deep roots of systemic racism in America.
| Key Figures | Significant Events |
|---|---|
| African Slave Traders | Auction Block Established in 1711 |
| Dutch West India Company | Thousands of Enslaved Africans Traded |
| New York Merchants | Slave Market Operated Until 1762 |
This powerful stop on the tour reveals the dark underbelly of New York’s financial origins, challenging visitors to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past.
Visiting Historic Buildings
Next, the tour takes visitors to explore several historic buildings that were constructed with the forced labor of African slaves.
At Trinity Church, they’ll learn about the congregation’s complex relationship with slavery and discover the hidden connections between the church’s wealth and the slave trade.
Across the street, Fraunces Tavern stands as a testament to the economic power of slavery, having once served as a meeting place for New York’s colonial elite, many of whom profited from the slave economy.
These sites offer a window into the past, revealing how the brutal institution of slavery was deeply intertwined with the development of Lower Manhattan and the rise of American capitalism.
Discovering Slavery’s Wall Street Links
Slavery and African American History Private Tour in NYC
Though often overlooked, the tour delves into the intricate connections between the slave trade and the rise of Wall Street, shining a light on this often-forgotten history.
Participants will discover the hidden links between slavery and the financial district, learning how the wealth of early Wall Street firms was built on the backs of enslaved Africans. The tour explores the former slave market at Wall Street, where human beings were once bought and sold.
Visitors will also uncover the role of Wall Street in financing and profiting from the transatlantic slave trade, a dark chapter in American history that continues to impact communities today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos during the tour, provided they don’t disrupt the experience for others. However, some sites may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide beforehand.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has no set dress code. Visitors can wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows them to explore the historic sites comfortably. Dressing respectfully is recommended, but there are no specific requirements.
Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are generally allowed to bring food and drinks on the tour, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first. Some sites or guides may have restrictions to prevent disruptions or damage to the locations visited.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Water or Snacks?
The tour guides do not typically provide water or snacks. However, participants are welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the tour. Staying hydrated and fueled is important, especially on longer walking tours.
Can I Cancel the Tour and Get a Refund?
Yes, the tour provider offers a flexible cancellation policy. Guests can cancel the tour and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, subject to the provider’s terms and conditions.
Recap
The Slavery and African American History Private Tour in NYC offers a profound exploration into the often-overlooked history of slavery’s role in shaping New York’s economic and architectural landscape.
Led by expert historians, the tour confronts the uncomfortable truths of the past and its lasting impact, providing visitors with a powerful, multilingual experience that illuminates this critical chapter in American history.
