Voices That Shaped the Nation: Experiencing Black History Across the Mid-Atlantic

As America approaches its 250th commemoration, the Mid-Atlantic invites travelers to explore Black history through meaningful, place-based experiences that connect the past to the present. Here are just a few of Mid-Atlantic destinations where African American leadership, resilience, and innovation helped shape America’s ideals.

Richmond Region, Virginia

Historic Jackson Ward stands as a symbol of Black entrepreneurship and progress. Visitors can explore the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, honoring the first Black woman to charter and lead a U.S. bank, and the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, which chronicles generations of Black Virginians who drove change. In April 2026, the Skipwith-Roper Cottage will reopen, preserving the legacy of Abraham Peyton Skipwith, Jackson Ward’s first known Black homeowner, and housing the exhibition House to Highway.

Talbot County, Maryland

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Talbot County offers a powerful look into Black history as the birthplace of Frederick Douglass. Visitors can explore sites connected to his early life, as well as The Hill Community, one of the oldest free African American neighborhoods in the United States, through walking and driving tours and museums.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

The African American Heritage Walking Tour of Lancaster City brings history to life through skilled storytellers highlighting abolitionists, Underground Railroad agents, religious leaders, and entrepreneurs. The tour connects Lancaster City to surrounding communities, offering a rich cultural experience rooted in personal stories and preserved places.

Explore at Your Own Pace

Self-guided experiences across the region offer flexible ways to engage with Black history. In Hampton, Virginia, the 400 Years Forward Black History Driving Tour highlights landmark sites tied to pivotal moments in American history. In Culpeper, Virginia, the African American Heritage Downtown Walking Tour and public art like the Trailblazers Mural uncover stories often left out of the traditional narrative.

As the nation reflects on 250 years of history, Black history experiences across the Mid-Atlantic offer opportunities to learn, reflect, and better understand the voices that continue to shape America today.