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Black Georgetown History: Uncovering Diverse Heritage
5.0
29 Ratings
Washington
Discover Georgetown’s hidden Black history on a guided tour. Explore untold stories, historic sites, and cultural landmarks. Book your spot today!
Discover Georgetown’s hidden Black history on a guided tour. Explore untold stories, historic sites, and cultural landmarks. Book your spot today!
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 3206 O St NW - Healy Hall, designed in a gothic style, was constructed under the guidance of Patrick Healy, the only black President of Georgetown University, and is named in his honor.
- Pomander Walk Northwest - Formerly known as Bell’s Court, this area was owned by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell’s Court was typical of the alleyway communities…
- 3206 O St NW - Healy Hall, designed in a gothic style, was constructed under the guidance of Patrick Healy, the only black President of Georgetown University, and is named in his honor.
- Pomander Walk Northwest - Formerly known as Bell’s Court, this area was owned by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell’s Court was typical of the alleyway communities in DC, fostering a close-knit black community.
- Thomas Sweet - The tour includes a mid-point stop at Thomas Sweet for refreshments and a restroom break.
- 3146 O St NW - The row houses at this location once served as holding pens for enslaved individuals. These pens were demolished by an Irish entrepreneur who had experienced childhood as an indentured servant in the West Indies.
- 3044 P St NW - This was the residence of Emma Brown, one of the first black teachers in DC to achieve the position of Principal.
- 1332 29th St NW - The Mount Zion United Methodist Church is among the oldest black congregations in Georgetown.
- Rose Park - This historic park was a venue for numerous political rallies and community gatherings for Georgetown’s black community.
- Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries - As the oldest cemetery in Georgetown, it holds the remains of both enslaved and free black citizens.
What's Included
- Over 2 hours of historic information offered by an experienced guide.
- Over 2 hours of historic information offered by an experienced guide.
What's Not Included
- Tea and coffee
- Tea and coffee
Additional Information
Visitors to Georgetown today might perceive it as a prosperous enclave within the ever-gentrifying Washington, DC. Yet, this delightful area boasts a rich and varied history. Initially, it served as a bustling port for tobacco exports and was a hub for the slave trade, with African Americans once comprising 30% of the population. The descendants of…
Visitors to Georgetown today might perceive it as a prosperous enclave within the ever-gentrifying Washington, DC. Yet, this delightful area boasts a rich and varied history. Initially, it served as a bustling port for tobacco exports and was a hub for the slave trade, with African Americans once comprising 30% of the population. The descendants of enslaved individuals and free black residents have called Georgetown home for generations, though their significant contributions to its history often go unrecognized. This tour aims to uncover the stories of the black citizens who have left their mark on one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods.
The tour begins at 3206 O Street NW DC and concludes at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, located at 2501 Mill Rd. NW. There is a midway stop at Thomas Sweet Shop for a restroom break and refreshments.
Location
3206 O St NW
O Street Northwest
Guests will meet in front of Masala Street Food.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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874landonw
Feb 14, 2026
Incredibly thorough and passionately delivered tour of little known stories - We had our tour with Katie and I had highly recommended her to my partner, having been on two other tours previously. Per usual, this did not disappoint. The tour was incredibly well-researched and thoughtfully planned and flowed as a cohesive narrative despite covering over three hundred years of history. As always, Katie was incredibly passionate about her work and her love of what she does and the stories she tells is evident. New to DC or longtime resident, you won’t be disappointed on this tour and will most certainly learn something new and enjoy the beautiful sights of Georgetown. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynda_l
Dec 14, 2025
If you think Georgetown... - If you think Georgetown is just the home of presidents and congress people, there's a fascinating world of new stories from the Civil War era on in this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Kathryn_y
Nov 9, 2025
Hidden History Gen - Katie was well read, personable with great pacing and extra pearls of information. The group in general had a wonderful friendly open atmosphere
Review provided by Viator
151leighb
Sep 27, 2025
Another fabulous tour from Off the Mall Tours! - Another fabulous tour from Off the Mall Tours. As a long-time DC resident, I value Katie's tours as a way to learn more about my city in a fun and engaging way. This tour took us along the back streets of Georgetown to learn about when it was a center of African American life in Washington, DC, and how that shifted over time. I went alone, as I usually do, so that I could have interesting conversations with the other tour participants.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mccandlessbus63
Aug 23, 2025
Wonderful day in Georgetown with Ashley - Excellent day out walking the streets of Georgetown, while learning about all the ways that Black Americans have contributed to this part of the city . There was a lot of walking but every stop was filled with fascinating figures whose lives composed a significant part of the history of Washington, DC. All was delivered by the warm and engaging guide, Ashley (who we found out was giving her first tour on her own and she did a wonderful job!)
This was my third tour with Off the Mall (after the Punk Tour and a special Halloween tour at Oak Hill Cemetery) and this definitely won't be the last.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alaportedc
Jul 21, 2025
Eye-opening tour of Georgetown's history - Today, Georgetown is one of the poshest neighborhoods in D.C.
But thanks to this eye-opening tour, I learned that it used to be a working class neighborhood, with a large Black population.
Katie, the founder and our guide, knows the material inside out and makes it all super interesting!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T_c
Jul 19, 2025
The real DC - I'm a longtime local but still learned a lot of new things on this very informative tour. Small group and personalized - highly recommend! DC is a real city!
Review provided by Viator
P7414vjoliviam
May 18, 2025
Wonderful experience in Georgetown! - Katie & Ashley were truly wonderful and knowledgeable guides. I have called DC home for the last 10 years, and it was really great to learn more about the history of Georgetown and how it came to be the way it is today. Would recommend to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kris_c
Mar 20, 2025
Black Georgetown Uncovered - A friend was in town for the weekend and, because she’s visited DC many times, we’re always looking for a new adventure.
As a history lover who’s married to a history buff, historical tours are my favorite!
I settled on the Black Georgetown Tour because I’ve heard some stories and anecdotes about Blacks in Georgetown over the years but have always wanted to learn more.
Our tour guide, Katie, did a great job! We learned so much. I was happy to share the information I knew with my husband once I returned home. I was even happier when I found out that some of the information I shared was new to him.
I will book another tour with Katie and will likely take the Black Georgetown Tour again with a different set of friends.
Review provided by Viator
Republicofheaven
Feb 18, 2025
See the depths of DC’s history - This was a fantastic experience! I lived in DC for years and never knew the history behind Georgetown. It’s amazing to see the city in a new light. If only walls could talk!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
