Williamsburg History of Black Americans Tour

Come on to our history of black Americans tour presented by Junket!
We often learn the history and stories of heroes of the American Revolution and the early history of America. What isn't often covered in history classes and history books is the story of African Americans who were enslaved during this time. On this unique tour, we'll discover the stories of African Americans who lived and worked in Colonial Williamsburg. From the slaves buried in the graveyard of the Historic First Baptist Church, to the woman who left property to her freed black servants, you'll uncover the untold stories of the oppressed, and their path to freedom.

Meeting Point

Kimball Theatre

428 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Meet your tour guide in front of the Kimball Theatre. Your guide will be wearing a white Junket t-shirt and holding a yellow flag. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.

What's included:

• Thoroughly researched and accurate history
• Professional and courteous guide

Not included:

• Transportation

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

The Historic First Baptist Church-Nassau Street Archaeology Project

105 S Nassau St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Learn the history of this church that was attended by several slave owners. Several slaves are buried in the church's graveyard.
Bonus Tour Inside Church: Only available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Subject to availability

10 minutes

Brickhouse Tavern Williamsburg

755 Scotland St, Williamsburg, 23185-3545, Virginia

This historic building, now a tavern, once held the first African American lawyers office. Discover the history of its barrier-breaking owner.
*We only stay outside the attraction

10 minutes

George Wythe House

Palace Green Street, Williamsburg, 23185, Virginia

The man this home is named after, George Wythe, owned slaves. Despite this, his slaves were loyal to him, and discovered a plot to assassinate him.
*We only stay outside the attraction

10 minutes

Governor's Palace

300 Palace Green St, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, 23185, Virginia

During the American Revolution, there was debate over the role of African Americans. A British official in Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issued a proclamation that, if slaves would fight for the British, they would be freed.
*We only stay outside the attraction

10 minutes

Peyton Randolph House

100 W Nicholson St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Some colonists weren't sympathetic to the plight of slaves at all. The lady of the house here is a prime example of this. Discover the truth of the ownership of slaves here.
*We only stay outside the attraction

10 minutes

Raleigh Tavern

W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

After Lord Dunmore issued the proclamation promising freedom in return for siding with the British, the colonists met to consider their response. Uncover the truth of the First Virginia Convention.
*We only stay outside the attraction

10 minutes

Mary Stith House

E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

The daughter of the president of the College of William & Mary, Mary Stith was "ahead of her time". She lived to see America's independence established, and left most of her property to her freed black servants.
*We only stay outside the attraction

10 minutes

Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse

101 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

This courthouse is where slaveowners filed the bill of sale for the slaves they purchased. Discover the process of recovering fugitive slaves.
*We only stay outside the attraction

10 minutes