Explore DC’s historic Shaw alleyways, uncover hidden stories, and enjoy a coffee break. Join our 1.5-hour tour every 1st Sunday at 2pm.
Explore DC’s historic Shaw alleyways, uncover hidden stories, and enjoy a coffee break. Join our 1.5-hour tour every 1st Sunday at 2pm.
- Blanche K. Bruce House - Blanche K. Bruce was the first African American to serve a full term as Senator, and rose to his position during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The tour starts as the location of his residence while he was serving his Senatorial term.
- Blagden Alley Northwest - Blagden Alley is one of DC’s most…
- Blanche K. Bruce House - Blanche K. Bruce was the first African American to serve a full term as Senator, and rose to his position during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The tour starts as the location of his residence while he was serving his Senatorial term.
- Blagden Alley Northwest - Blagden Alley is one of DC’s most well-preserved historic alleyways. Once the subject of a study of DC alleyways, it is now the site of art galleries, hidden-away restaurants and coffee shops.
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters - The tour makes a pit stop at this popular coffee spot.
- D.C. Alley Museum - Beginning in 2015, a series of works were commissioned by artists with a history in the Shaw neighborhood and in Blagden Alley — They created a stunning display of new works painted directly on the garage doors of several buildings in Bladgen Alley.
- Naylor Court Northwest - Naylor Court is a former site of alleyway stables, and later old fashioned garages. It is a part of the Blagden Alley - Naylor Court Historic District.
- Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience
- Knowledgeable guide
- Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience
- Knowledgeable guide
- Tea and coffee
- Tea and coffee
*2024 Schedule - Tour is offered the 1st Sunday of the month at 2pm.
Check out one of DC’s most unique features, less than a mile away from the National Mall, in the historic Shaw neighborhood, near the Convention Center.
The Alleyways of DC served a distinct purpose as a city planning feature, but they also provided a hidden safe space where escaped…
*2024 Schedule - Tour is offered the 1st Sunday of the month at 2pm.
Check out one of DC’s most unique features, less than a mile away from the National Mall, in the historic Shaw neighborhood, near the Convention Center.
The Alleyways of DC served a distinct purpose as a city planning feature, but they also provided a hidden safe space where escaped enslaved people and the poor could find inexpensive housing and live their lives away from prying eyes. While city officials condemned life in the alleyways as dangerous, dirty and diseased, they were in fact a place where communities sustained each other and provided security.
Tour is 1.5 hours with a halfway stop at La Colombe Coffee.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.