The African American Experience
The truth is that New York was able to grow and benefit thanks to slave labor. This tour starts at the southern tip of Manhattan Island which was a hub during the era of Dutch rule. Discover how life changed dramatically for African Americans under British rule in the 19th century. Learn about free blacks and the history of slavery in New York.
This tour starts at Bowling Green, where the first enslaved Africans began to build the city’s infrastructure. Bowling Green is New York City’s oldest park. According to tradition, this spot served as the council ground for Native American tribes and was the site of the legendary sale of Manhattan to Peter Minuit in 1626. The Dutch called the area “the Plain” and used it for several purposes including a parade ground, meeting place and, sadly, a slave market.
From there, we’ll continue to Federal Hall, a site next to a famous oyster house from 1825 that was owned and operated by free Africans. Find out why certain founding fathers who fought for freedom for all, such as Alexander Hamilton, turned a blind eye to the fact that their relatives were slaveowners. A tour of the African Cemetery serves as a stunning, heartbreaking and powerful tribute to the African and African American community. Meet the heroes of the Underground Railroad who risked their lives to help runaway slaves. This is a historic tour you won’t soon forget.
Group tour: From 6 to 15 people.
Minimum 6 guests
Maximum 15 guests
If this number is not reached, you will be offered to go on a private tour or to cancel. If you choose the latter option, you will be fully refunded.
Days: Friday from 9 am to 1 pm and Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Private tour: From 1 to 10 people.
Duration of the tour: 4h.
Meeting point: Will be emailed with your booking confirmation.
Period: All year round.
Days: Schedule at your convenience – Contact us
Group tour:
Adult: $60 per person.
Children under 6 to 11 years old: $45.
Free for children under 5 years old.
Private tour: $450 per group.
Larger groups: Please contact us.
It is possible to schedule this tour at your convenience so please contact us if you have specific dates so we can check availability.
Travel agencies and Travel professionnals: Please contact us for your preferential rate.
Services included: 4h walking tour with a licensed guide.
Services not included: Tips for the tour guide, personal expenses, transfer by subway.
Accessibility: This tour is possible for people with disabilities in wheelchairs, contact us for the rates and logistics.
This tour is available for the hearing impaired. We can provide a translator for sign language. Please contact us for rates and availability.
Guide: Our licensed guides reserve the right to cancel the scheduled tour due to weather conditions (rain, storm, snow or other). In case of cancellation, we can offer you an alternative date or a total cancellation, in which case we will give you a full refund.
Cancellation Policy for the private tour: If you send us a cancellation request more than 7 days before the day of your tour, a 50% refund will be given. If you send us a cancellation request less than 7 days before the day of your tour, no refund will be given.
Cancellation Policy for the public tour: If you send us a cancellation request more than 3 days before the day of your tour, a 50% refund will be given. If you send us a cancellation request less than 3 days before the day of your tour, no refund will be given.
Pet: As much as we love them, they are not allowed.
Request to reschedule your tour: All requests to reschedule your tour must be made in writing and sent to us via email more than 72 hours prior to your tour or activity. There are no exceptions. Without an email, we will not be able to reschedule your tour.
Videos and pictures: We reserve the right to record video footage and photographies in connection with future promotional and publicity for MAD Tours and Events on social media and website.
Belongings: Mad Tours and Events is not responsible for any personal items which are lost, stolen or left behind.
Passenger Voucher check-in Instructions: On the day of tour or activity, please arrive 15 minutes early to the tour departure point at the indicated address sent with your confirmation.
Taxes & Booking fees: They are not included in the rate. Those fees will be indicated once you start the booking reservation process.
Please note that if you do not show up on the day of your tour or activity, your tour is forfeited.
