black history tours in houston

Houston Historical Tours

Educating and entertaining everyone, (713) 392-0867 [email protected], houston historical tours p.o. box 262404 houston, texas 77207-2404.

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African American / Black History Tours

We offer 7 different African American tours. Each is 6 hours. They normally begin at 9:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM. Each includes a stop for lunch, normally at a traditional African American restaurant of barbecue, soul, Creole or some such food. Houston had political subdivisions called wards from 1837 through 1915. Most of present-day Houston did not exist at the time of the wards. They were divided along the intersection of Main Street and Congress Street in downtown Houston and only went as far north as Buffalo Bayou. The First and Second Wards were only about 3 blocks deep (Commerce Street and Franklin Street), from Buffalo Bayou to Congress Street. The Third and Fourth Wards went on endlessly. Northwest Houston was 1st Ward. Northeast Houston was 2nd Ward. Southeast Houston was 3rd Ward. Southwest Houston was 4th Ward. This was once all of Houston. Many, if not most, people misuse the term and misidentify the wards.

The seven tours are:

• Tour A – Southeast Houston of Harrisburg, South Park, Riverside Terrace, and Timbercrest, east of SH 288
• Tour B – (Near Southeast Side) – 3rd Ward
• Tour C – (West Side) – 1st, 4th, and 6th Ward
• Tour D – (North Side) – Acres Home, Highland Heights, Kashmere Garden, and the 5th Ward
• Tour E – (South Side) – Sunnyside and Ranches
• Tour F – A Plantation and Independence Heights
• Tour G – Galveston

Tour A —Southeast Houston of Harrisburg, South Park, Riverside Terrace, and Timbercrest, east of SH 288

This includes a walking tour of the oldest African American cemetery in Houston. It dates to the era of slavery and the first plantations in the Houston area. This location is in an area that was originally a city named Harrisburg. Houston annexed it, in 1926. The Yellow Rose of Texas made history in Harrisburg. Six historic African American churches still exist in this largely barrio. We also visit Southpark, an area where the Shrine of the Black Madonna church stands. Several African American neighborhood institutions exist in this area, including restaurants, funeral homes, barbershops, nail shops, and ballrooms. Most of this area was designed in the post-World War II period. We drive through MacGregor Park and will see the statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. that was erected in 2014. We then go to Riverside Terrace and Timbercrest. These were the two most exclusive African American neighborhoods in the US in the 1950s and 1960s. We stop for lunch at a bar-b-que restaurant, Frenchy’s Chicken, or This Is It for soul food. We will drive by the largest African American Catholic church in the city. We will see both the current Jack Yates High School and the original “Jack Yates Colored High School.” We visit Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the last historically African American universities and colleges and the second largest in the US. We will see the former “Houston Negro Hospital,” Trinity United Methodist Church that is the oldest African American congregation in Houston, Project Row Houses, Dupree Park, Emancipation Park, and the “Sixth Church of Christ Science (Colored).”

Tour B — (Near Southeast Side) – 3rd Ward

This tour focuses on several institutions of high culture – theaters and museums, as well as churches and businesses. We visit the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. We will see the former site of the House of Dereon, where Beyonce, Solange, and Destiny’s Child have recorded. We will drive by the Houston Branch of the NAACP, the Houston Museum of African American Culture, the oldest and largest professional African American theater in the Southwest – The Ensemble Theatre, and, if open, the Community Artists’ Collective. We will see the church that Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland have attended and the oldest African American Catholic church in Houston. Lunch is normally at either a Jamaican or soul food restaurant on Almeda Road or a Luby’s cafeteria.

Tour C —(West Side) – 1st, 4th, and 6th Ward

This tour includes going to the site of the worst race riot in Houston history, Houston's third oldest housing project and site of the first African American hospital, the oldest African American church in Houston, Freedmen's Town, the African American Library at the Gregory School, and more. See where Jack Yates preached, his home, and where he is buried, as well as his son newspaper publisher Rutherford B. H. Yates. You will see the homes of late 1800s’ Black pioneers in Houston, including the Reverend Ned P. Pullum and attorney J. Vance Lewis, and mid-1900s’ entrepreneur Don Robey. Two of the four oldest African American cemeteries in Houston are on this tour. At the current time, no traditional African American restaurant exists in this area. Lunch is normally at a Cajun restaurant or Luby’s cafeteria in the 4th Ward.

Tour D —(North Side) – Acres Home, Highland Heights, Kashmere Garden, and the 5th Wards

This tour will bring you to some of the most distinctively African American areas of Houston. It includes driving by the current Phillis Wheatley High School, the site of the original Wheatley High School, and past the second Phillis Wheatley high school, Evergreen Negro Cemetery, where the city paved a street through it, the former Peacock Records, Paradise North Cemetery, Julia C. Hester House, the childhood home of Barbara Jordan, George Foreman’s gym, the African American St. Elizabeth Hospital, the 2nd oldest housing project in Houston, numerous churches, elementary and middle schools, and colorful murals. See historical markers identifying Frenchtown and Zydeco Music. Lunch is at a favorite bar-be-cue place.

Tour E —(South Side) – Sunnyside and Ranches

Visit three or four local African-American ranches. Learn of the contribution of Blacks in rural Texas as cowboys and owners of ranches. You might have an opportunity to see some roping and ride a horse! You will also see the last subdivision established in Houston to be a segregated African American community. Separate fees exist for admission to the American Cowboy Museum and ranches.

Tour F — A Plantation and Independence Heights

Tour G — Tour of Galveston

This tour includes seeing the sites of famous Galvestonians including the first heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Johnson, and the 1800s civil rights leader, Norris Wright Cuney. See the historic Black cemetery where one of the founders of the Deltas is buried, churches, segregated "Colored" public schools, parks, and the hundred year plus homes of Black families. See Texas’s first African American African Methodist Episcopal Church Reedy Chapel AME Church, Texas’s first African American Baptist church Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church, Texas’s first African American Catholic church Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and Texas’s first African American Episcopal church Saint Augustine Episcopal Church. Visit the site at Ashton Villa where the Emancipation Proclamation was read on June 19th 1865, leading to over 100 years of Juneteenth celebrations. Lunch is at a traditional African American bar-be-cue or seafood restaurant. Houston to Galveston is 51.2 miles/82.4 kilometers. The drive is approximately 1 hour.

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Houston signature experiences for the soul.

HEAR. TASTE. LEARN.

Houston is proud of being a tapestry of cultures due to its rich diversity and community contributions. This diversity is celebrated and recognized as a vital aspect of the city's identity, reflecting a vibrant and culturally rich environment. But how do we show visitors and locals the city's pride in its unique culture through truly immersive experiences? Houston Signatures Experiences , launched in February 2024, is the answer.

This collection of five immersive experiences is designed to honor the black heritage and showcase the city's black-owned businesses. Curated in collaboration with local partners, it offers a unique blend of history, untold stories, unique flavors, and the resilience of black entrepreneurs.

You can easily buy any of these experiences online and instantly receive confirmation of your purchase on your mobile phone. Prices range from $25 to $75 per person. Ready to delve in?

Explore Black History in Houston

From Chains to The Church

History lovers will enjoy a 90-minute visit to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church , nestled amidst Houston's towering skyscrapers. Established in January of 1866, just two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and six months following the liberation of Texas's enslaved people, it stands as a beacon of the unyielding spirit and faith of those once bound by enslavement. As you traverse the church grounds, you become part of a story that celebrates the determination of those who fiercely held onto the land their ancestors secured with newfound freedom.

From Plantation to Emancipation

Travel back in time during this 90-minute experience. Stepping into The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park , you embark on a unique journey through history. Tour three historic houses that tell Houston's stories from plantation to emancipation. See and listen to a talented reenactor who brings to life the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom. Where else can you hear the stories drawn from a script penned by Martha Whiting-Goddard, a descendant of Reverend Jack Yates, who once lived in one of the houses you explore?

The 1847 Kellum-Noble House, the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage, and the 1870 Yates House -each a UNESCO-designated Site of Memory for their 'Slave Route Project'- stand as pillars of remembrance. Each house tells a story of endurance; each artifact is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Houston for Foodies

40 Weight Gravy: A Soulful History of Soul Food

Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Houston's authentic culinary landscape at Houston This Is It Soul Food , where each recipe is a chapter of history served on a plate. Since 1959, this storied establishment has been a gastronomic anchor in the community, weaving a narrative of unity and flavor with every meal served. Here, you don't just eat; you partake in a ritual that honors the history of soul food and the bonds it strengthens with every shared meal. Take note: This 90-minute experience full of flavor is available only every other Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Plan accordingly.

Southern Sweets & Soulful Stories

If you like exploring sweet treasures or want to satisfy your cravings, this 90-minute experience at Lucy Pearl's is definitely for you. In this enchanting culinary journey, you'll indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of classic southern treats like sweet potato pie and peach cobbler, along with two of their signatures - the Atomic and the Betty Lou. At Lucy Pearl's, these desserts are more than just delectable bites; they are gateways to the past, narrators of life lessons, and windows into the journey of self-discovery.

Pur Pairings That Speak to The Soul

Don't miss visiting the only winery in Downtown Houston, Pur Noire Urban Wineries . Enjoy a beautiful and intimate urban oasis in the city's heart at this local family-owned gem. During this 90-minute experience at Houston's premier black-owned winery, you will learn the fundamentals of wine tasting and taste five premium wines with five delicious soul food pairings. Their pairings are not the typical ones you might know. They call them "a dialogue between two crafts, each enhancing the other to create a symphony of flavors." Enjoy the unexpected!

Whether you live in Houston or come from afar, travel alone or with the entire family, Houston Signature Experiences will always make your soul happier. And the best of all – they are available all year round!

Explore Houston Signature Experiences and enjoy Houston to the fullest!  CLICK HERE TO BUY .

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Houston Museum of African American Culture

The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) explores stories inspired by themes of opportunity, empowerment, creativity, and innovation and cultural interrelationships through the lens of the African American experience. The Museum seeks to engage visitors of every race and background through discovery-driven learning and preserve African American history.

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• Thursday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• General Admission is ALWAYS free.

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Events at Houston Museum of African American Culture

Black History Tours

Expiration: after selected date.

Tour three (3) historic structures including the 1847 Kellum-Noble House, 1870 Jack Yates House, and the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage. Our tour guides will demonstrate the contrast of the lives of African-Americans living in Houston before and after the Civil War. New research conducted on the 1847 Kellum-Noble House has revealed the names of several enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked on the property. The history of this home discusses urban slavery in Houston, whereas the Yates House and Fourth Ward Cottage tell about life after Emancipation in the community known as Freedmen’s Town established by African-Americans. Group rates are available. Groups of six (6) or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email [email protected] . Docent-Guided Historic Building Tours are offered Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

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Black in Houston: 14 Landmarks You Must Visit

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If you couldn’t tell from my Houston staycation post, I’m a Houston aficionado.  I love this city.  One of my favorite things about Houston is its rich history.  There are so many diverse cultures in this metropolis that you can find something for everything.  However, there’s really something special about being Black in Houston.  The city was a pivotal location in Texas during and after slavery and has maintained a thriving Black community since.  As such, there are several landmarks with special recognition to those who are Black in Houston.

Perhaps you’d like a more interactive way to celebrate Black History Month or you’re seeking black history in Houston, TX.  Either way, we’ve got you covered with these 14 Black in Houston landmarks.

Museum of African American History

Buffalo soldiers national museum, rutherford bh yates museum, project row houses, emancipation park, the yates house at sam houston park, bethel park.

• Third Ward Bike Tours by Let's Do This Houston

The African American Library at the Gregory School

Texas southern university, prairie view a&m university, barrington plantation, varner-hogg plantation state historic site, levi jordan plantation state historic site, black in houston: museums.

4807 Caroline St. Houston, Tx 77004

Located in Third Ward, the Museum of African American History is dedicated to showcasing the history of Black people in Houston, Texas, and the Southwest.  The tales of the past and present are mostly told through artwork here.

It’s not a large museum but that lends to its intimate nature and also allows them to display a more curated collection of exhibits.  It is a great jumpstart to learning more about the history of being Black in Houston.

Admission to the Houston Museum of African American Culture is completely free but donations are encouraged.

3816 Caroline St. Houston, Tx 77004

Houston is lucky enough to be home to the only museum in the United States dedicated to the history of Black soldiers in the United States.  While most things at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum aren’t specific to being Black in Houston, it is a historical landmark that simply can’t be missed.

Buffalo Soldiers were members of all Black military units comprised of those formerly enslaved, freemen, and Black Civil War soldiers.  They were the first to serve during times of peace and performed a variety of tasks from herding cattle to serving campaigns against Indigenous people.  They were aptly named Buffalo Soldiers as a nod to their bravery and revere.

You can learn more about the different calvaries, the campaigns they led, and their many accomplishments with a visit to the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

2521 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004

Project Row Houses are arguably the heart of the Third Ward community.  These shotgun houses were previously in disrepair until a group of artists purchased and revitalized them.  Today, they serve as a pillar in the community showcasing and encouraging artistic endeavors.  They also provide resources to the community such as housing for single parents, small businesses, and neighborhood residents.  You can enjoy unique reflections of being Black in Houston at the Project Row Houses while experiencing one of the oldest historically Black neighborhoods in Houston.

[Please note: Project Row Houses is currently closed to the conditions of the pandemic.  Please check their website for more details on a future reopening.]

Black in Houston: Parks

3018 Emancipation Ave. Houston, TX 77004

When enslaved people of Texas heard of their emancipation [a whole two years after Abraham Lincoln’s proclimation], it started the annual tradition of Juneteenth.  This holiday, celebrated on June 19th, represents the jubilation of those who after generations of hardship finally received their freedom.  In 1872, groups of freed African Americans pooled their money to purchase several acres of land in what is now known as Houston’s Third Ward.  They named it Emancipation Park in honor of their newfound freedom.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emancipation Park Conservancy (@epconservancy)

For many years, Emancipation Park was the only park in the city that could be used by Black people in Houston.  Since then it has stood as a cornerstone of the neighborhood and home to many programs and initiatives for the community.  There are often special exhibits held here as well like the moratorium for Black people lost to police brutality .

1000 Bagby St. Houston, TX 77002

If you ever spent any time in the Historic Third Ward of Houston, then Reverend Jack Yates is a familiar name to you.  He was formerly enslaved and upon emancipation dedicated his life to the enrichment and advancement of the Black community in Houston.  The Yates House at Sam Houston Park houses a curated collection of artifacts from his family and even has some of the original furniture.  It details not only their history but the city’s as well.

The Houston Heritage Society offers guided tours and even audio tours from your phone.

1837 Crosby St. Houston, TX 77019

Bethel Park received its name from Bethel Baptist Church that once stood in its spot.  The former church was founded by freed enslaved in the 1890s and resides in Houston’s Fourth Ward [formerly Freedman’s Town].  It stood as a testament to the resiliency of the freed Black people at that time.  It was also yet another contribution to the city’s history by Rev. Jack Yates.  After being mostly destroyed in a fire, it was finally restored by the city and turned into the landmark we know now as Bethel Park.  Guests can roam the remains of the church walls, enjoy the scenery of the park, and revel in its history.

Black in Houston: Tours

Third ward bike tours by let’s do this houston.

2301 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77004

The Third Ward Bike Tours by Let’s Do This Houston are as Black Houston as it gets.  This black-owned business specializes in tours of Third Ward on – you guessed it – bikes.  But it isn’t your average bike ride.  Guests are treated to unique themes to help enhance the experience.  From a Bike and Brunch ride to a kid-friendly community family ride, they have a little something for everyone.

They even have curated history tours where you can learn about Black history while riding around one of Houston’s oldest Black neighborhoods.

Black in Houston: Educational Facilities

1300 Victor St. Houston, TX 77019

The Edgar M. Gregory School, founded in 1872, became the first public school for Black students in Houston in 1876.  It was located in Freedman’s town [now called Houston’s Fourth Ward] and is said to be the first school for freedmen in the state of Texas.  The history of the school itself is complex and reflective of the harsh social and economic conditions of Blacks in Houston during that time period.  The school often flooded and brought with it diseases that harmed or killed many of the teachers and students.   It was eventually closed due to hazardous conditions.

Today, it stands as the African American Library at the Gregory School .  It is the first library in the city dedicated to African-American history and culture.  It is filled with everything from special exhibits, information on living legends, archival collections, and more.  Visitors can also schedule a tour of the Gregory School to learn more information on its history and significance to Houston.

[Please note: Houston Public Library locations may be closed due to the current pandemic conditions.  Please check their website or call them to check their availability.]

3100 Cleburne St. Houston, TX 77004

Texas Southern University is one of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the country.  It was initially founded off the back of segregation to provide “separate but equal” accommodations for Black students in Houston.  However, thanks to an aspiring law student named Herman Sweatt, it later became a state school.  Many riots, protests, and sit-ins took place on campus or by campus students.  [Fun fact: the first sit-in in Houston was organized by TSU students at the Weingarten’s lunch counter at 4110 Almeda St.  The restaurant is no longer but a plague stands in its place to recognize the courageous acts of those student activists.]

Now, it is an institution of its own with thousands of students and decades of history.  Visitors can stroll along the Tiger Walk and see the trees dedicated to each of the Black Divine 9 National Panhellenic Council fraternities and sororities [please don’t climb the trees or sit on the benches unless you are a member of the organization] or visit the library’s African art collection.  Try to catch their marching band the Ocean of Soul for a special treat.

100 University Dr. Prarie View, TX

Prairie View A&M University is a Historically Black College and University [HBCU] located about an hour from Houston in Prarie View, TX.  It’s the second-oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas and has a history as old as time.  The campus is affectionately called “The Hill”.  While there you can tour the expansive campus, attend events, see the representation from all of the Divine Nine, or catch their infamous marching band Marching Storm.

Black in Houston: Plantations

Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880

The Barrington Plantation [or the Barrington Living History Farm] is a little outside of Houston but is still an important part of Black in Houston history.  The farm is actually located within the Washington on the Brazos complex where Texas began Texas.  Here is where Texan leadership huddled to sign the declaration to make Texas its own republic.  But it’s also where enslaved Africans endured a life of hardship and labor under the last President of the Texas Republic Anson Jones.

They, admittedly, do not go very in-depth regarding the history of the enslaved people on this plantation.  However, to their credit, it is not ignored or glazed over.  There are reproductions of the slave quarters that guests can tour along with the rest of the property.  Volunteers and employees on the farm dress in the clothes of the time period for an extra layer of authenticity.  They also raise the same type of livestock and produce people of that time period.

Be sure to check their special events calendar as they periodically have events specific to those that were enslaved on this plantation.

The Varner-Hogg Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in Texas.  Located in West Columbia, TX, it is approximately an hour south of Houston.  Despite its age, it is remarkably well kept and stands as a reminder of the history of Black people in Houston.  Special care is taken to preserve and share the history of African Americans at Varner-Hogg Plantation.  Immaculate records were kept and are shared with visitors.  You can even rent a cottage to stay on-site in their authentic 1920s cottage.

The Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site was one of the largest sugar and cotton production plantations in Texas.  It started with 12 enslaved Africans and eventually grew to be an essential site for trafficking additional slaves into the states.  Following the emancipation of enslaved people, the sugar plantation switched to sharecropping which lengthened the history of African-Americans on the plantation.

[Please note: the Levi Jordan Plantation Site is temporarily closed for renovations.  Please check their website prior to arranging a visit.]

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Montoya (Monty) Hudson is the founder and primary voice behind The Spring Break Family. She has created informative travel content for families since 2018 by providing practical advice, easy to follow itineraries, and addressing the real challenges of family travel. Since the creation of her family travel blog, she's inspired thousands of families to travel the world with their kids.

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Wed. - sat. always free 11 am - 6 pm donations accepted.

Support the Houston Museum of African American Culture

Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Your support will help ensure the museum sustainability. Text “HMAAC” to 44-321 to donate!

Images, from left: Lakea Shepard, Lewinale Havette, Arnold J. Browne, Carly Jay Harris, Raymond Thompson, jr., Abi Salami, and Miatta Kawinzi.

Upcoming exhibition: April 12

The Houston Museum of African American Culture is thrilled to present Mami Wata Afrofuturism:500 Years Back to the [Afro][F]uture , curated by HMAAC’s Chief Curator Christopher Blay. The exhibition envisions the future through the lens of the past and focuses on works by artists of the African Diaspora who consider the transatlantic and trans-Mississippi delta journeys of black people across waters, carrying with them histories, mythologies, and cultures towards new futures.

The exhibition includes paintings, photographs, video, and sculpture from the following artists: Arnold J. Browne, Carla Jay Harris, Lewinale Havette, Miatta Kawinzi, Abi Salami, Lakea Shepard, and Raymond Thompson, Jr..

schedule a curator-led tour of current exhibitions. to schedule, click below.

Visit the Culture Shoppe at HMAAC for all your local artists and vendors merchandise!

past exhibitions

Visit our most recent exhibitions via our virtual 3D portal. Click anywhere to begin. For more of our other exhibitions, please scroll below.

Latinx Museum of Art in Houston

Latinx Museum of Art in Houston?, curated by Benito Huerta. A glimpse of what a gallery exhibition in a Latinx museum might look like when accompanied by programs defined completely by Latinx voices.

Permanent Exhibitions

The Houston Museum of African American Culture dedicated its Stairwell of Memory on February 19, 2022 with the addition of the portrait of Houstonian Robbie Tolan, “The Survivor.” On December 11, 2021, HMAAC dedicated a portrait of Tolan by artist Cedric Ingram that was added to the ones of Bland and Floyd. The three of them represent our area’s most prominent symbols of police brutality. America is indeed lucky and blessed that one of them survived; a living reminder that justice for black victims of police brutality is so rare as to essentially be non-existent, and that good citizens of all races must be diligent to change our current culture to one of fairness and equity.

The Jazz Church of Houston

“The Jazz Church of Houston is an endeavor by artist Tierney Malone to create a temporary institution dedicated to collecting and sharing the story of Houston's musical tribe. While there are museums in Texas dedicated to music, a space does not exist that chronicles the jazz history of Houston. The name “Jazz Church” drew its inspiration from the Church of John Coltrane in San Francisco. Established in 1970, the church uses John Coltrane’s music as an expression of worship. The Jazz Church of Houston is a secular temple that will serve as a communal gathering place for like-minded people to listen, learn and celebrate jazz music and culture in Houston.

The Jazz Church of Houston’s patron saint is Texas tenor legend, Arnett Cobb. He is the standard bearer for all those who came after him. He made Houston his base of operation instead of New York or LA, as many of his contemporaries have done. He mentored the next generation of jazz musicians who followed in his footsteps to New York. He is the model of rugged individualism that often characterizes Texans. He survived many physical challenges to pursue his passion of making music. He was hospitalized for a year from a car accident, and used crutches for the rest of his life. He never let his physical challenges prevent him from playing for audiences around the world.”-Tierney Malone, via jazzchurchhouston.org 

A series of artist lectures and panel discussions at HMAAC.

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Houston Museum of African American Culture

Our mission.

The mission of HMAAC is to collect, conserve, explore, interpret, and exhibit the material and intellectual culture of Africans and African Americans in Houston, the state of Texas, the southwest and the African Diaspora for current and future generations. In fulfilling its mission, HMAAC seeks to invite and engage visitors of every race and background and to inspire children of all ages through discovery-driven learning. HMAAC is to be a museum for all people.

  OUR VISION

HMAAC seeks to be a cultural portal through which people share and converge histories and contemporary experiences that acknowledge and expand the African American experience, and from such interactions come together to build a common future.

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Black History Tours

Black history tours is a national multicultural student tour operation and destination management company that is dedicated to educating america’s youth about african-american history., the inspiration for the start of black history tours is derived from a strong conviction and realization that empowerment, pride and awareness can make even the most challenging of obstacles, surmountable ones., dedicated to teaching african american history through travel and cultural exposure.

COLLEGE AND HBCU TOURS

BHT can offer you and your college bound high school students a tremendous opportunity to discover and experience the college selection process.

BLACK COLLEGE TOURS

Schools, churches, birthplaces, museums, and national historic sites honoring African Americans, their struggle for equal rights, and their profound contributions.

GAME & HOMECOMING EVENTS

HBCU Classic Football Games have become so popular that every undergraduate dreams of witnessing them. They have become an integral part of the fall athletic environment at HBCU.

HBCU STEM COLLEGE TOURS

October STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) tours provides student with the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops that go beyond the theory.

MARCHING BAND TOURS

We arrange travel, transportation, and accommodations to the premier marching band parade performance events throughout the United States.

PERFORMING ARTS TOURS

Performing arts tours provide performance opportunities for instrumental, vocal, dance and theatre students in middle school, high school and community groups.

Want more information? Our professionals are waiting to assist you.

Our objective, to empower the black community, enriching them with information to develop self-knowledge and identity through tourism, • promote student group tours, educational programs, learning activities, events and exhibitions for institutions and corporate organizations, • encourage talented young african-americans who have the zeal to explore history through participation in organized tours, • organize personalized tours for individuals and corporate organizations interested in sensitizing people about black history.

Increase the interest of the young black community in identifying their rich cultural heritage by organizing mega group tours cutting across the entire nation.

• develop our current tourism products and services by enlarging our horizon nationwide, • exploring further opportunities in the learning and tourism to maximize the number of minority student participants, • collaborate with numerous black heritage organizations, • work with institutions to make our international tours affordable.

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8 Can’t Miss Black History Month Events in Houston

Celebrate throughout the month of february and beyond..

Black History Month is a time to commemorate and reflect on the past, present, and future of the Black community . All around the nation, there are celebrations featuring art, music, food, and more. But, Houston being Houston (i.e. badass), we’ve got plenty of opportunities to celebrate all February long. From candlelight concerts, ballet, and award shows to shopping till you drop, the city has you covered on events throughout the entire month.

Support Black artisans and artists at Woodson Fest

Friday, March 3 Museum District The  Contemporary Arts Museum  in the Museum District is hosting the Woodson Fest in honor of the distinguished Carter G. Woodson. Serving as the founder of the  Association for the Study of African American Life and History , he was an influential figure in Black history and one of the first scholars to chronicle the African diaspora. The event will feature music, spoken word, and networking opportunities. Also be sure to come hungry—there will be plenty of food, too. Featuring Houston artists like Deborah (D.E.E.P.) Mouton and  Rocquelle Porch , this is a night of culture you don’t want to miss. It runs from 6:30 to 8 pm. Cost:  Free to the public but  RSVP  ahead.

Step back in time at Houston City Hall

Ongoing through Saturday, February 28 Downtown The Houston Informer Foundation, Inc. has recently unveiled its “Steppin' Back In Time: Houston in Retrospect” pop-up Black history photo exhibit at Houston City Hall . A combination of two platforms, the first is the photo exhibit honoring Houston Black businesses, while the second platform takes you on a Metaverse journey to learn about Black History Month and Dr. Martin Luther King. Be sure to check it out before it leaves on February 28th. Cost:  Free to the public.

Brunch with ballerinas

Saturday, February 4 East Harris County Photographer Keda Sharber and organization Brown Girls Do Ballet are collaborating on The Ballerina Brunch. A celebration of brown ballerinas around the world, the event is helping to promote underrepresented communities in the classical dance world, while raising funds to provide resources, like scholarships, to help young dancers of color achieve their dreams. The event will include brunch bites, a chance to view the “Dance…In Color” photo exhibit by Sharber, a ballet performance, and more. The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged. It runs from 10 am to 1 pm. Cost: Free to the public.

Celebrate Black women in the community

Saturday, February 4 Downtown The Brown Sugar Awards is a chance to honor the Black women in the community who are changing the world, one step at a time. Taking place in Houston as well as Washington D.C., awards are being given to Black women in fields such as entrepreneurship, education, and more. The attire is High Tea, so come out in your Sunday Best and get ready to sip on unlimited mimosas (included with every ticket) from 11 am to 2 pm. Cost: Each ticket is $100.

Listen to jazz and soul in the candlelight

Thursday, February 16 Downtown Who doesn’t love a good concert? The Candlelight Concert series by Fever is putting together special performances for Black History Month. It’ll feature jazz, gospel, and soul concerts highlighting Black artists spanning from Billie Holiday to Aretha Franklin, illuminated by beautiful glow of hundreds of candles. Sit back and enjoy the 60 - 65 minute performances, which start at 6:30 pm and 8:45 pm, with someone you love. Cost: Tickets are $55 - $65 dollars each.

Find something new at the BLCK Market

Sunday, February 26 Spring Branch Shopping is a weekend activity many of us (unfortunately) love no matter the occasion or time of year. Do it with a purpose at the BLCK Market , the largest monthly gathering of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the nation. Rack up the credit card points at its “BLCK History Now” pop-up at Karbach Brewing Co ., where tons of vendors will be paired with live performances, mouth-watering food, and as you’d expect at a brewery, plenty of beer. It takes place from 11 am to 5 pm. Cost: Free to the public.

Shop all things Black hair

Sunday, February 19 Galleria Area From braids to blowouts, you can do just about anything you want with Black hair. But with all the options out there, sometimes you need a little inspiration for your next ‘do. Cue: Thee Black Hair Market . Come shop for everything that your heart (and hair) desires, and build new connections with other Black hair vendors and small businesses in the area. It takes place from 11 am to 4 pm. Cost: Free to the public.

Take a bus tour of Houston Black History

Saturday, February 11 Third Ward The Houston-based company Sawari Tours offers the chance to explore Houston from a brand new lens. Starting at the iconic and absolutely delicious spot Houston This Is It Soul Food , take their bus to see Black Houston landmarks. Learn more about the Black community’s positive impact on the city at iconic stops such as the artistic Project Row Houses , The DeLUXE Theater , and more. This particular Black History tour takes place from 11 am to 2pm, but the company offers a variety of other regularly scheduled tours that focus on the African diaspora with themes ranging from Black cowboys to Black art. Cost: Tickets are $40 - $60 dollars.

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Sat, Feb 11

Houston This Is It Soul Food

Houston Black History Tour

Learn the history of Black Houstonians from the time of their earliest arrivals up to the present.

Time & Location

Feb 11, 2023, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST

Houston This Is It Soul Food, 2712 Blodgett St, Houston, TX 77004, USA

About the event

You'll learn the history of Black Houstonians from the time of their earliest arrivals up to the present, and visit some of the city's most important Black neighborhoods, institutions, and businesses!

Open to all ages!

Tour begins and ends at the historical This Is It Soul Food restaurant in Third Ward. 

Join us for an optional post-tour lunch at the restaurant at 2:30 p.m. 

For those joining us for lunch, you will order before take off. 

Tour attendees may park in the This Is It parking lot and load the tour bus.

Release form link: https://forms.gle/ey4DDgsVEn5p26Qy9

Please dress comfortably for light walking and appropriately for the weather. Bottled water will be provided.

There are no refunds for this tour unless it is cancelled.

General Admission

+$3.30 State Tax

+$1.08 service fee

General Admission + Lunch

+$4.95 State Tax

+$1.62 service fee

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2023 Black History Month events in Houston and near city

Celebrate black history month across houston with film screenings, art exhibits, workshops, markets, performances and more. .

People shop during BLCK Market, an event to showcase Black-owned businesses, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, along Avenida De Las Americas in Houston.

February is Black History Month, an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the triumphs and struggles of African Americans and the greater Black experience throughout U.S. history. From education to entertainment, there are many ways to honor this legacy.

Take a look at these Black History Month-inspired happenings in and around Houston and start marking your calendars.

'Skeleton Crew'

Cardero Berryman, left, Renee Van Nifterik and Broderick Davis will perform in Pearl Theater's production of “Skeleton Crew,” scheduled Jan. 27 through Feb. 11 at the theater, 14803 Park Almeda Drive, Houston.

The third installment of Dominique Morisseau’s acclaimed trilogy, "The Detroit Project," "Skeleton Crew" is this year’s Black History Month show at the Pearl Theater. The play explores the work lives of four Black employees at an automotive stamping plant in Detroit in the midst of the 2008 recession. 

When: Through Feb. 11

Where: Pearl Theater, 14803 Park Almeda

Details: $16-18; pearl-theater.com

Woodson Black Fest

American educator and scholar Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month.

In honor of the distinguished author and thinker Carter G. Woodson, the Woodson Black Fest brings enlightenment, creativity and innovation to celebrate Black artists and artisans’ contributions. The festival consists of spoken word, film, music, lively conversation and a short film screening. Food provided by Ate Kitchen will be available for purchase.

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 2

Where: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose 

Details: Free, registration encouraged; camh.org

SUPPORT LOCAL BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES: A Black-owned cafe in Houston rolls out tamales combining Mexican and soul food traditions

MFAH Films: Through the Lens of African-American Women

The Black History Month film series, presented by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, celebrates cinematic projects by Black women.  Featured films include Alma's Rainbow (Feb. 3), The African Desperate (Feb. 4), The Watermelon Woman (Feb. 4) and Compensation (Feb. 5).

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 3, 3 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 5 p.m. Feb. 5

Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet

Details: $9 per screening for the public; $7 for MFAH members, students with ID and seniors; mfah.org/films

Black History Story Time Series

ABC13 anchor Chauncy Glover is among the featured readers at Children’s Museum Houston and ABC13 Houston's Black History Story Time Series. 

Children's Museum Houston and ABC13 Houston celebrate Black History Month with a story time series featuring books written by African American authors and local leaders in the community, including Samica Knight (Feb. 4), Erica Simon (Feb. 11), Chauncy Glover (Feb. 12), Gina Gaston (Feb. 18) and Melanie Lawson (Feb. 25). 

When: 1:15-p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 12, 18, 25

Where: 1500 Binz

Details: $14-$15; cmhouston.org

Black History Month at Lone Star Flight Museum

Lone Star Flight Museum celebrates the achievements of African Americans in aviation. 

Throughout February, Lone Star Flight Museum will celebrate the achievements of African Americans in aviation. Learn about Bessie Colemen, Jesse Brown and join a Tuskegee Airmen Hangar Talk with World War II veteran Bob Wehnert. 

When: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 18 and 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 11

Where: 11551 Aerospace

Details: $12-$18; lonestarflight.org

Movies on the Lawn: Black History Month 

First Colony Mall screens "Soul" as part of their Black History Month “Movies on The Lawn” series.

First Colony Mall celebrates Black History Month with a monthlong celebration of “Movies on the Lawn.” Featured films include "Remember the Titans" (Feb. 4), "The Princess and the Frog" (Feb. 11), "Soul" (Feb. 18) and "King Richard" (Feb. 25).

When: 2 p.m. Feb. 4-25

Where: First Colony Mall, 16535 U.S. 59 S., Sugar Land

Details: Free; firstcolonymall.com

BLCK History Now!

BLCK Market and Karbach Brewing Co. partner up to celebrate Black History Month.

BLCK Market and Karbach Brewing Co. partner to celebrate Black History Month with two events featuring pop-up vendors, music, food trucks, ice-cold beer, 97.9 The Box and a special performance by the Rockets' Sonic Boom Drumline. 

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 5 and 26

Where: Karbach Brewing Co., 2032 Karbach

Details: Free; blckmarkethouston.com

Genealogy Workshop: The Search for Lost Relatives after Emancipation

Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform with wife and two daughters. 

The Black History workshop will offer three sessions that explore the practice of formerly enslaved persons writing letters to the Freedmen’s Bureau and placing ads in newspapers hoping to reconnect with family after emancipation. Genealogist Diane L. Richard will discuss pursuing formerly enslaved ancestors and their descendants using research tips, techniques, tools, strategies and under-utilized resource collections. Houstonians Kelley Dixon-Tealer and her mother, Alva Marie Jenkins, will share revelations of their ancestor featured in the Ancestry documentary “A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson." Presented by the Holocaust Museum Houston in partnership with Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. and Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter (AAHGS) Freedmen’s Town Museums. 

When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 11

Where: Albert and Ethel Herzstein Theater, 5401 Caroline 

Details: Free, advance registration required; hmh.org

Black History Month Celebration at Avenida Houston (pictured above)

Avenida Houston's Black History Month Celebration includes an outdoor market featuring local Black-owned businesses along with live musical entertainment hosted by KTSU 90.9 FM. Visitors can enjoy free activities fit for the whole family, including educational activities that celebrate Houston's diversity. 

When:  2-6 p.m. Feb. 11, 18, 25

Where: Avenida Houston, 701 Avenida de las Americas

Details: Free; avenidahouston.com

Young Audiences of Houston: Abiyoyo

Levy Park and Young Audiences of Houston honor Black History Month with an interactive performance of Abiyoyo by Twanda's Theatre on Wheels. 

Levy Park and Young Audiences of Houston will feature Abiyoyo with Mrs. Twanda’s Theater performance comparing and contrasting African customs and traditions through an interactive performance. Audiences will help dramatize a folktale about a boy who plays the ukulele, his dad and his magic wand, and a hungry giant named Abiyoyo. 

When: 1 p.m. Feb. 18 

Where: Levy Park, 3801 Eastside

Details: Free; levyparkhouston.org

Moving Beyond Slavery Identity, Culture and Global African History

Society for Africans in Diaspora host a conversation with leading civic leaders to discuss the bold and meaningful action on how to honor one’s ancestors and what lessons should be passed down to the next generation. The main objective of the summit is to promote a greater knowledge of history and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies. 

When: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 18 

Where: SAiD Pan African Library, 12126 Westheimer, No. 118 

Details: Free; bit.ly/movingbeyondslavery

'From Africa to the White House'/'The Storm Is Here'

Award Winning playwright Vincent Victoria presents "From Africa to the White House," a theatrical collage of almost forgotten African American men and women from the past.

Award-winning playwright Vincent Victoria offers two of his original works to celebrate Black History Month. "From Africa to the White House" is a theatrical collage of almost forgotten African American men and women from the past. "The Storm Is Here" is a play that recounts the lives of two people whose fates were unwittingly intertwined during the insurrection of January 2021.

When: 8-10 p.m. Feb. 24 

Where: Midtown Art Center, 3414 La Branch

Details: $25; vincentvictoriapresents.com

Black Excellence Art Exhibition

Elevate Creative Studios hosts Black Excellence Art Exhibition.

The exhibition at Elevate Creative Studios honors Black History Month through art. The event features 10 local artists and their representation of Black excellence. Opening reception is Feb. 19, with complimentary cocktails, live music and art. The exhibition is a great event to meet with the featured artists as well as to connect with Houston creatives and the arts community. 

When: 2-6 p.m. Feb. 19 and 6-10 p.m. Feb. 23

Where: Elevate Creative Studios, 1919 N. Main 

Details: $10-$15; elevatecreativestudios.co

Freedom Walk: Black History Month Celebration 

Freedom Walk, presented by Missouri City Parks & Recreation and the Edison Arts Foundation. 

Missouri City Parks & Recreation and the Edison Arts Foundation host their second annual Freedom Walk. Attendees will walk from Community Park to Freedom Tree (half a mile) and hear from local leaders, pastors, poets, singers and performers, then return to Community Park to celebrate unity and freedom.

When: 10 a.m. Feb. 25

Where: Community Park, 1700 Glenn Lakes Lane, Missouri City 

Details: Free; facebook.com/events/1195613248034144

Black Literature Matters 2

BE Impactful presents Black Literature Matters 2, the Black History Month book fair is a great way to come together, enjoy delicious food and celebrate creativity in the community. The event features interactive experiences with authors, publishing professionals, bookstores and more. 

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 25

Where: Five Central Houston, 2736 Virginia

Details: Free; bit.ly/blackliteraturematters

[email protected]

Ana Khan is the calendar coordinator for the Houston Chronicle's features desk.

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society collects Black history artifacts. Here's what to expect on a visit

Clayborn Benson , a retired photojournalist, opened the Wisconsin Black Historical Society in 1987. Benson was inspired to start the society — which collects and preserves artifacts of Wisconsin's Black history, displays exhibits and hosts tours and lectures — after he researched and produced a documentary called "Black Communities" in the 1980s.

Benson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in February 2024 that his love of history started as a child growing up in Milwaukee. He said, "My father would tell me stories of the people who lived here, and then, when he taught me to drive, we would drive past different places where things had happened in Milwaukee’s history."

Here's what you should know about the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum.

Where is the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society is at 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee.

What are the hours for the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?

The society is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It's closed Sunday. The society is also closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

How much does admission cost?

Admission costs $10. Members receive free admission.

Annual membership levels are available at different price points. Individual memberships ($25), senior/student memberships ($15) and family memberships ($50) entitle holders to free admission, invitations to exhibition openings and preview days, and discounts on merchandise, lectures, trips and tours. Memberships at the contributor ($150), patron ($350) and business ($500) levels entitle holders to the same benefits as well as being listed as supporters of the museum. There are also several corporate level memberships available.

Are tours available?

The historical society offers guided tours to groups from schools, community organizations and others. To schedule a group tour, visitors should call the museum at least two weeks in advance at (414) 372-7677 and fill out the online group tour form and email it to [email protected].

What kinds of exhibits are at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?

There are several exhibits showcasing artifacts of Black history and providing context for Wisconsin's place in American history. Some of those exhibits include:

• Work’n in the promised land: The African American labor experience in Wisconsin: This exhibit focuses on historical events that have affected Black workers, particularly in Wisconsin.
• Ancient Egypt to Modern Milwaukee: This mural by artist George Gist is described on the society's website as "a larger-than-life panorama of African American history" that traces the stories of Black people from ancient civilizations to rural Wisconsin settlements to modern-day Milwaukee.
• NAACP Civil Rights Tribute Bus Exhibit: In 2004, the Milwaukee County Transit system created a Civil Rights tribute bus to honor the 2005 NAACP convention that was held in Milwaukee. The bus depicted Civil Rights pioneers, including Milwaukee legends Lloyd Barbee, Vel Philips and Father James Groppi.

Does the Wisconsin Black Historical Society have resources for students?

The Black historical society website has a learning center with links to lesson plans, articles and worksheets regarding people and events in Wisconsin's Black history. Examples include:

• a lesson plan about Milwaukee's abolitionist movement
• a 1950 guide to African American businesses in Wisconsin
• the transcript of an interview with a woman who moved to Beloit from Mississippi during the Great Migration
• several biographies of prominent people in Wisconsin's Black history

What if I have an artifact to donate?

Because the society documents local history, they welcome people's donations of artifacts or documents. According to the society's website , they're particularly interested in the following items from the 19th century:

• Photographs depicting neighborhoods of early Black Milwaukee
• Materials that document Black-owned businesses in early Milwaukee
• Everyday garments worn by early Black Milwaukeeans
• Uniforms and any other work-related items
• Materials depicting the Civil Rights struggle, sit-ins and the March on Milwaukee

If you have something to donate, call or write to the museum to describe the item. Calls can be made to (414) 372-7677. Letters should be sent to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society at 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee, WI, 53206.

Although the museum does not guarantee items will be displayed, they will be preserved at the society.

Remembering Black Dallas revives forgotten history with new bus tours

All around Dallas are markers telling the rich Black history that shaped the city: White Rock Chapel, the Pittman Hotel, Keller Springs Road.

But words don’t travel as fast as you think, and some stories are forgotten.

That’s why the historical organization Remembering Black Dallas created a new series of tours — funded partially through a grant from the city's Office of Arts and Culture — highlighting these and other areas in modern-day Dallas County that were once hubs for the Black community.

“Our main focus is to draw light on the history and of the African American freedom towns, communities and those individuals that others may not know anything about,” said Deborah Hopes, the president of Remembering Black Dallas.

Hopes, a South Dallas native, named the venture the Ukunika Bus and Walking Tour after the Zulu word meaning “to give back.” The monthly tours were an idea first put forward by RBD founder George Keaton, and it was one Hopes wanted to keep alive. They both had the benefit of living through some of that history or were taught stories of a time before them.

“We have others that are from that community, or they had grandparents or relatives that lived in those communities that shared stories,” Hopes said.

She said RBD didn’t start the tours out of fear of forgetting the community’s history, but rather as a chance to relive old memories. She believes this is the first step to recognizing Black history while her peers are still around to educate others.

“History in itself doesn't change. History in itself remains the same,” she said. “But if you don't know it, then you are not privy to it.”

Unforgettable history

The first of the Ukunika bus tours took attendees around South Dallas, focusing on women’s history and how the civil rights movement affected the area. It highlighted American activists like Julia C. Frazier, Pearl C. Anderson and Juanita J. Craft, whose house — which hosted Martin Luther King. Jr and Lyndon B. Johnson — was among the stops.

“I think Dallas can be a very ahistoric place,” said Phaedra Gwyn, who grew up in the city but said she had no idea the cultural significance the neighborhood carried. “I was really happy to learn more about the civil rights movement in Dallas and Black people's contributions.”

Another attendee, Courtney Simmons, was raised in Dallas and attended Lincoln High School. She brought her daughters on the tour so they could see how her neighborhood has changed, and how it’s preserved its culture.

“The infiltration of the city and how it just kind of [reduced] the Black community down and how it got a little disenfranchised, but there's still efforts going on today to keep those visions alive,” Simmons said.

Others grew up in the city and had no idea of the cultural significance these neighborhoods carried.

Another tour covered the area known today as North Dallas, which was established as a Freedmen’s Town in the Reconstruction period after the Civil War.

The area associated with North Park, the Galleria and the former Valley View Mall was once home to Dallas’s oldest and most prominent Black landowners, including Anderson Bonner, Henry Keller and George Coit.

“I traveled up and down Coit Road and didn't realize it was named after a Black person,” said RBD member Karl Lewis. “And I doubt very few people realize that.”

Passengers got a chance to meet several notable Dallas natives who have seen the city change firsthand.

Patricia Price Hicks, who is on the Dallas County Historical Commission, shared her experience growing up in Hamilton Park, an area named after prominent landowner Richard Theodore Hamilton.

“This was unheard of because there was no Black community per se,” Hicks said.

The group explored the hidden White Rock Cemetery Garden of Memories, where they were met by Glen Bonner — one of Anderson’s descendants.

“This was the first known interracial cemetery in North Dallas, North Texas area, actually,” Bonner said.

Hearing about forgotten history brought up a lot of emotions for some attendees. Sicily Whetstone is a grad student who attended the tour for a school project. She said she sees the tour as a form of reparations for Black Dallas that also educates the public.

“Those people have [been] lost in history,” she said. “So, I'm really thinking the reparations really need to go deep, starting maybe in the graveyards and the histories of those.”

She’s grateful for organizations like RBD that are dedicated to praising this history, but she said she’d like to see more support from the city of Dallas.

“This is something that we should sell as our city that this is something that we need to repair,” Whetstone said. “And it should be in our local history books in our schools.”

RBD president Deborah Hopes said that’s one of the aims of the tours.

“What I found is that they're getting these ‘wow’ moments like, 'wow, I didn't know that,’” she said. “I think that is strengthening the desire to do more and want to know more and to learn more about communities in themselves.”

Embracing the past

Remembering Black Dallas required all hands on-deck to be able to execute a project as big as the Ukunika bus tours — starting with the amount of research and networking that went into organizing them.

The organization has volunteers from all over Dallas who were curious to learn more about the history of the land they live on today. They believe it brings a new perspective to what should be researched further and highlighted.

“Everybody can embrace this history because it helps you understand the place that you are calling home,” volunteer tour guide Sharron Conrad said. “By understanding the people and the stories that make up these communities.”

Some, like Larry Offut, are trying to make up for the history they were naïve to. Offut is one of several members of RBD who's white and lived through the civil rights movement. He said the tours are bringing awareness to a past that many people ignored.

“It really was striking to me to read those things and understand that I had lived them as a child and as a young adult,” Offutt said. “…It never occurred to me there was any trauma.”

While RBD has worked to document some of the worst events in Dallas’ past by installing markers around the city memorializing lynching victims, the tours show that there’s much more to the area’s Black history than trauma.

“What I would like others to know is that we didn't only just exist and survive,” the organization’s financial secretary Reginald Small said. “We actually thrived in our communities even with the oppression. We actually thrived, and it's so documented.”

Remembering Black Dallas offers the Ukunika Bus and Walking Tours once a month through August. Some areas they'll hit next are Dealey Plaza, Old City Park and Deep Ellum.

The Heritage Society Museum at Sam Houston Park

Housotn History Tours

The Heritage Society's 10 historic houses in Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas stand as enduring monuments that not only preserve the city's history but also symbolize its cultural legacy. Anchored in the past, these architectural treasures serve as a cornerstone for the narrative of Houston's evolution, offering a tangible link between bygone eras and the unfolding future. As gateways to the past, our museum gallery, exhibits, houses, events, and collections provide a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Houston's heritage. By exploring the stories encapsulated within their walls, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse communities that have contributed to the city's vibrant mosaic. Moreover, these heritage sites play a pivotal role in shaping Houston's future by serving as catalysts for dialogue and reflection. By embracing the narratives of inclusivity and diversity that these buildings represent, Houston can forge a path towards a more equitable and harmonious tomorrow.

Mission Statement

The Heritage Society (THS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1954 whose mission is to tell the stories of the diverse history of Houston and Texas through collections, exhibits, the arts, educational programs, film, video, and other content.

How We Started

Founded in 1954 by a number of public-spirited Houstonians to rescue the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition, The Heritage Society has since saved an additional nine historic buildings, moved them from various locations to join the Kellum-Noble House in Sam Houston Park, and restored them to reflect their respective eras. These ten buildings, along with the Museum Gallery, serve as historic reference points and exhibition spaces for more than 23,000 artifacts that document life in Houston from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s.

Our Founders

Founders: Birdsall Briscoe; Charles L. Bybee; Faith P. Bybee; C. C. “Pat” Fleming; Kenneth Franzheim; Maria T. Gregory; Mary Van der Berge Hill; Ima Hogg; Harvin C. Moore, Sr.; Marie Lee Phelps; Alvin S. Romansky; Mary Ellen Shipnes; Ellen Hamilton Wilkerson

1954      Founded THS to save Kellum-Noble House

1959      Moved and restored Nichols-Rice-Cherry House; Took over middle section of Sam Houston Park

1960      Built the Kellum-Noble Cottage

1962      Began Annual Candlelight Tour

1963      Moved and restored San Felipe Cottage; Took over north section of park; Began docent program

1964      Built Long Row; Executed lease agreement with City of Houston

1965      Moved and restored Pillot House

1967      Moved and restored St. John Church

1970      Began outreach programs

1972      Accredited by AAM  

1973      Moved and restored Old Place

1975      Received donated Scanlan Fountain and installed in park; Executed new lease agreement

1978      Began collections loan exhibit program

1979      Relocated Nichols-Rice-Cherry House within park

1983      Opened the park to the public on weekends

1984       Executed new lease agreement with City of Houston

1986       Opened museum gallery; Moved Staiti House into Sam Houston Park

1988       Restored and opened Staiti House and gardens

1989       Rose Garden constructed

1990       Reinterpreted Pillot House

1991       Endowment fund established (still active?)

1992       Received donated Neuhaus Fountain and installed in park

1993       Began Amazing Attic Sale

1994       Moved Yates House into Sam Houston Park

1995       Connally Plaza constructed and dedicated; USS Houston Monument installed and dedicated

1996       Opened Yates House

1997       Restored bandstand

1998       Installed new collection of Texas furniture; Closed Pillot House due to flooding by Tropical Storm Frances

1999       Reopened Pillot House

2000      Reached milestone - Texas furniture collection doubles in size

2001       Closed Pillot House and Old Place due to flooding by Tropical Storm Allison

2002      Moved Gulf Coast Cottage (Fourth Ward Cottage) to Sam Houston Park

2003      Relocated and reopened Old Place in middle section of park

2004      Renovated museum gallery

2005      Raised Pillot House 14 feet higher completing exterior restoration

2007      Developed 7th Grade Teachers Workshop

2008      Developed in collaboration with HPARD and MOSE, a master plan for Sam Houston Park

2009      Renewed lease agreement with City of Houston for Sam Houston Park

2010      Moved Baker Family Playhouse to middle section of park

2011       Restored and opened Baker Family Playhouse

2015 Held exhibit Throughout Houston’s GLBT History

2017       Closed Pillot House due to flooding by Hurricane Harvey

2018       Revealed Mexican-American History & Culture in 20th Century Houston mural

2018       Revived NoTsuOh Gala and included “parade” for pets

2019       Reorganized staff; Placed some events and programs on hold

2020     Closed from March to July due to pandemic; Completed phases I and II of 4-year remodel for Kellum-Noble House; Started Facebook LIVE shows; Started online gift shop; Offered Zoom lectures; Offered Candlelight Market as a first; Recognized for Houston Women’s Equality Day and held recreation of a processional for 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote in the park; Implemented virtual tour

2021       Renovated museum gallery made possible by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation; Received Preservation Houston’s Good Brick Award for Kellum-Noble House; Began large diversity events

2022 UNESCO designated three of our houses as part of their Enslaved People’s Route Project; Completed Phase II of Gallery Renovation of offices in Long Row; Tours make National News

The Heritage Society

The Heritage Society (THS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to tell the stories of the diverse history of Houston and Texas through collections, exhibits, educational programs, film, video, and other content.

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Calendar of events, treasure your heritage.

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The Heritage Society is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. See their calendar of events here .

Funding for these grants has been provided by Humanities Texas and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the federal ARP Act.

Privacy: The Heritage Society respects the privacy of each visitor to The Heritage Society website. Any personal information provided by a visitor will be used solely by The Heritage Society for internal purposes and, where appropriate, to contact individuals directly. Personal information will be shared only with those third-party service providers who perform functions on our behalf, including processing credit card payments, providing customer service, removing repetitive information from customer lists, analyzing data, and providing marketing assistance. For review or correction of your personal information, or to request that your donation not be listed in The Heritage Society publications, call 713-655-1912. For more information about The Heritage Society’s Privacy Policy, click here .

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