Walking Harlem Private Tours
I am the author of the book Walking Harlem: the Ultimate Guide to the Cultural Capital of Black America (Rutgers Univ. Press, 2018). As a long term Harlem resident (40 years) I am highly qualified to show tourists what and where important sites existed and/or continue to exist today. With a background in the study of ethnomusicology, my research digs deep into the colorful and fascinating history and culture of Harlem with stories that bring to life Harlem's history beyond commercial tours on the market today
Options
Walking Harlem Private Tours
What's included in Walking Harlem Private Tours
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Tours cover the rich history and culture of Harlem including the arts (music, visual, literary); social and political developments (affiliated with churches and civic organizations). Tourists will learn the significance of the Schomburg Center and see art and cultural exhibits therein. You will see where Madame CJ Walker's townhouses were; the original Harlem branch of the NY Public Library; where small and large night clubs and speakeasies existed; Churches funded and built by early Black congregations. If the 2nd tour option is selected tourists will learn about the history of City College; Hamilton Grange (once home to Alexander Hamilton); the beautiful architecture and history of Strivers Row and the Dizzy Gillespie murals. On Tour 3 pass by the final home of Langston Hughes and Marcus Garvey Park (Hamilton Heights historical district, including Maya Angelou's once home), and one of the birth places for bebop jazz, Minton's Playhouse.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a research library of the New York Public Library and an archive repository for information on people of African descent worldwide.
New York Public LibraryPass-by Only
The New York Public Library is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States and the fourth largest in the world.
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- We can meet anywhere in Harlem but the most common location is in front of the Schomburg Center on the northwest corner of Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave.) and 135th Street. 2nd option, meet near City College. #1 subway, 137th Street. 3rd option, 125th Street and Malcolm X Blvd. (Lenox Avenue).
