Overview
Trace the steps of the Black Portlanders who moved our city, state, and country closer to the ideals of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and equality. Maine’s earliest settlements couldn’t have existed without Black labor, skill, and insight.
You'll meet the Black Yankees who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, gained political influence, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era.
Stepping on granite cobblestones crooked with age — that once saw footfalls from national heroes like Frederick Douglass — you’ll pass storefronts once home to Black-owned barbershops where abolitionists whispered intelligence to Underground Railroad conductors.
Enjoy 2 hours of entertaining and enlightening historical narration over a 1.5-mile route. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, dug through the archives to present an amazing constellation of stories left out of most tours. TripAdvisor named him Portland's #1 guide!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation)
Two hour fully narrated guided tour.
Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America's third-oldest standing Black church
A tip for your guide!
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet at the church steps. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Portland by the Foot." Check-in time is 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. The church is one half mile from the cruise ship terminal.
End point
Eastern Cemetery is on Congress Street at the head of Montgomery Street. If you want to get back to where we started, it's an easy, straight shot 0.5 miles (10-minute walk) down Congress Street. It's also 0.5 miles from the cruise ship terminal.
Good to know
No need to print anything! Just tell Dugan your name when you arrive.
What to expect
-
Old Port
2 hours
We'll walk through Portland's Old Port and a historically-Black section of the East End neighborhood, uncovering Black history hidden all around us. *Highlights include:* First Parish Church, Lobsterman Park, Exchange Street, Mariner’s Church, US Custom House, India Street, Abyssinian Meeting House, Green Memorial AMEZ Church, Portland Observatory, Eastern Cemetery, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Pets are not allowed on tours unless medically required.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour
Can I cancel Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet at the church steps. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Portland by the Foot." Check-in time is 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.
What's included?
- 10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation)
- Two hour fully narrated guided tour.
- Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America's third-oldest standing Black church
What's not included?
- A tip for your guide!
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Portland by the Foot
