Juneteenth Tour: Explore Galveston's Black History

Discover Galveston’s rich African American history with Juneteenth and Beyond, the city’s first Black-owned guided history tour franchise. Join us to explore culturally significant sites and learn about the legacy of Black communities in Galveston.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Galveston Island - Start from the Old Central Cultural Center. Head to Middle Passage Marker at 21st and Haroborside. The symbol of the beginning of slavery in the new world
  • The Strand - We will see the Absolute Equality Mural on the way to Nia Cultural Center, the only African American art gallery on The Strand. Also on the strand is the…
What's Included
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Certified social studies and tourism guide
Additional Information

Juneteenth and Beyond, a guided tourism and sightseeing company, is owned and run by Black entrepreneurs. Our team is enthusiastic, professional, and exceptionally knowledgeable about the African American cultural sites of Galveston. The establishment was brought to life by Dr. Araminta Coleman Sorrell, a Washington, D.C. native who holds a deep…

Location
2627 Avenue M
Avenue M
We meet at the Old Central Cultural Center
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(79 Ratings)
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1 star
Kea
Jan 4, 2026
Excellent tour and guide. Very detailed. We felt very up close to the area, almost as if we were here doing that period - The tour was very informative. We learned a lot about the history and people of Galveston. I was surprised at how affluent Galveston was and how this area was the first in so many aspects of Texas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip588847
Dec 24, 2025
Wonderful enriching experience - The Juneteenth Van Tour is a gem! I highly recommend. My family is from Canada and NYC and we didn't know the history of Galveston and Juneteenth. Dr Araminta Sorrell , who has a PhD from the University of Virginia, is the tour guide. She has a deep knowledge of the history of Galveston and the critical historical events leading up to Juneteenth, and the aftermath of the legal emancipation of enslaved people. She has a wonderful style of teaching - she invites the tour attendees to interact, to give their ideas and opinions, which led to some fun discussions. The tour also included fascinating information about important historic African Americans from Galveston - I loved learning about Jack Johnson the famous boxer! We even saw a movie about the terrible hurricane that destroyed Galveston in 1900 and an important African American Community leader who worked with the Red Cross to help the Black community recover.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Krystalh740
Nov 21, 2025
Powerful Black History - Our group thoroughly enjoyed the tour to the library , the rear houses, and the notable historic stories! I never knew about the 1900 storm and the seawall reconstruction.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simón
Nov 12, 2025
Delightful and fascinating morning spent from Dr. Sorell’s passenger seat! - I thoroughly enjoyed my tour with Dr. Sorell! I spent a fascinating morning with her in her (new!) tour van, driving through Galveston and its different points of interest in African American history. She is an excellent scholar and storyteller who filled in many of the gaps of what I knew of Juneteenth. We even stopped by the Nia Cultural Center, which holds a wealth of information on Black Texas history. The morning flew by—it was a true delight to sit in Dr. Sorell’s passenger seat. I highly recommend to anyone interested in history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melinda_a
Sep 1, 2025
Take this Tour!!! - After disembarking from a cruise, my family and I scheduled this tour. We were pleasantly surprised. This educational experience far exceeded our expectations. Dr. Sorrell shared her wealth of knowledge with us about Galveston’s rich history. She also recommended a great Soul Food restaurant that we really enjoyed.
Review provided by Viator
Sunshine03558958130
Aug 30, 2025
Know the truth, seek knowledge!... - The tour guide was super knowledgeable fantastic attitude and great service. I would recommend the service for knowledge of the history of black people in Galveston TX.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jermeciadavis
Aug 15, 2025
Great experience, The... - Great experience, The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Galveston has a rich history this is a must do tour.
Review provided by Viator
Swp398
Aug 4, 2025
Stepping out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge. - We had a private tour with Dr. Sorrell. The information she taught us was truly astonishing. How did we not learn this history in school? We enjoyed her so much we had her as a speaker for a Juneteenth celebration at our home. Our guests were enthralled. We appreciate the work she does to become knowledgeable and then to share the history with us all. This is a must-do tour for all Galveston visitors and residents alike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F_j
Jul 18, 2025
Great opportunity! - We learned a lot! It was a great experience and Dr. Sorrell is so knowledgeable. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Conchita_j
Jul 4, 2025
Very informative - Dr. Sorrell was quite informative and relatable. It was sobnice to have someone give the tour who has a vested interest in her community. Learning the history of Juneteenth and how it started was amazing. Even if you think you already know, she has more to teach you.
Review provided by Viator
From $50
up to 6 guests
2 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).