Plan Your Visit
Explore untold stories, guided tours, and nearby attractions. Start your journey into New Hampshire’s Black history with everything you need to plan your trip.
About Our Tours
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire tours bring the region’s rich, often overlooked African American history to life. Led by our knowledgeable Sankofa Scholars, these experiences uncover inspiring stories of resilience, self-determination, and community service—stories that continue to shape who we are today.
Our themed guided tours offer a deeper understanding of New Hampshire’s true, inclusive history. Whether you’re connecting with ancestral roots or exploring the cultural tapestry of our state, each tour invites you to see history through a broader, more authentic lens.
Location
Unless otherwise stated, guided tours begin at our Visitor Center.
Group Size
Maximum of 20 participants per tour
Duration
Tours typically take 90 minutes.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour departs to ensure your spot. Late arrivals may be accommodated only if space is available.
Registration
Registration is required prior to taking tours. If you have not pre-registered, we will register you onsite only if space is available.
Cost
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Walking Tours
$20 per person
$15 (with ID) for Seniors & Military
$10 Students
Sankofa Scholar Guided Walking Tours
Discover the real, unbiased history with one of our signature guided tours conducted by a well-trained, experienced guide.
Self-Guided Tours
Take a self-guided audio tour to learn about Portsmouth’s Black heritage, right on your phone.
Expanded Walking Tours
Expanded walking tours extend beyond Portsmouth to historic locations across New England.
Virtual Tours
Experience New Hampshire's Black history from the comfort of your home.
Private Tours
Looking for a more personalized experience? Request a guided tour for your group.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a history-filled day in bustling, scenic Portsmouth.
Where to Stay
Historic hotel set in an 1881 Queen Anne mansion.
Newly rebuilt and renovated luxury inn.
Where to Eat
Cozy cafe and bar in historic downtown.
Chef-driven restaurant celebrating modern Mexican cuisine.
Where to Explore
Outdoor living-history museum and Smithsonian affiliate.
Uniquely intimate theatre located in the historic Portsmouth South End.
About Our Events
Connect with history and community through events and programs that inspire, educate, and celebrate the rich heritage of New Hampshire’s Black culture.
Juneteenth Celebration
Join us for Juneteenth, the oldest known nationally celebrated event commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Black New England Conference
Come back each year to engage with a different topic of African American culture, history, and experience.
Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks Series
Engage with a series of panel discussions relating to New Hampshire’s Black history and African American culture.
Frederick Douglass Statewide Readings
Deepen your understanding of the 4th of July with a reading and discussion of a speech by abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
The Black Matter is Life Poetry Series
Examine the work of Black poets and explore the rich tradition and innovation found in African American poetry.
Spring Symposium
Deep dive into a topic of African American history through interactive dialogue with local experts.
Upcoming Events
Ona Judge Mural Unveiling
Frequently Asked Questions
Our tours are as accessible as the city or town where they take place. We strive to accommodate participants of all abilities, and our guides are trained to adapt the pace and format of each tour to meet the needs of the group. If you or someone in your party requires specific accommodations, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to make the experience welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
You can register for events and tours directly on their individual pages on our website. Simply visit the specific event or tour page and follow the registration instructions provided. If you need assistance, feel free to call or email our office.
Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Our tours take place rain or shine, so we recommend bringing an umbrella or rain jacket if rain is in the forecast. Layers and sun protection are also a good idea, depending on the season.
Our tours run rain or shine, so please come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing and an umbrella if needed. However, if there is lightning, high winds, or other severe weather that could pose a safety risk, we will contact you to reschedule the tour.
Yes, you’re welcome to take photos during the tour! If you share them on social media, we’d love for you to tag us. We do ask that you get permission before posting images of your tour guide or fellow participants to respect everyone’s privacy.
Preserve Black History in New Hampshire