Harlem Civil Rights Multimedia Walking Tour
Description
Walk through the historic Harlem streets engaging with sites associated with the civil rights, Black Power and Black Arts Movement of the 1960's and 1970's. Harlem born and raised tour guide will provide terrific narrative explaining the history, guide also equipped with portable video and speaker providing applicable footage along the way, this will bring the history to life.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Walk in the footsteps of iconic events and leaders of Harlem's civil rights movement. Over a 2 hour period you will visit churches, theaters, residences / homes associated with the 1960's and 1970's period in Harlem.
We enter the lobby area with born and raised Harlem tour guide who will explain the history of the Apollo Theater, guests will have great photo opportunity to take pics against murals of entertainments who started their careers at the Apollo Theater.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The Harlem Heritage Tourism and Cultural Center is just minutes from Mid-Manhattan via uptown express subway.
- Along the way Harlem tour guide will showcase many restaurants and art and cultural institutions you can visit in Harlem after the tour is complete.
- Guests welcome to store luggage and bags inside Harlem Heritage Tourism and Cultural Center while on tour.
- Video, music and still pictures will be presented via portable sound and video equipment.
Reviews(128)
Our guide was the clear highlight of this tour — knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about Harlem’s history. His personal connection to the neighborhood added warmth and authenticity to the experience. That said, the tour fell short of what was advertised in some important ways. The “multimedia” component — specifically the video presentations described in the tour description — was absent entirely. Additionally, several key landmarks listed in the marketing materials were not included in the route. What we got was a pleasant walk through Harlem with engaging storytelling. That has real value. But visitors booking this tour based on the advertised multimedia experience and landmark coverage should know the actual experience may differ significantly from the description. If you’re looking for a casual, conversational neighborhood walk with a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll enjoy it. If you’re expecting a tech-enhanced, landmark-focused civil rights tour as advertised, you may be disappointed.
Had a wonderful time strolling through Harlem. Would give 4.7 stars, took a full point off for timeliness. Leo was late getting to the tour. He made up for how wonderful and accommodating he was once the tour started. As a community activist for Harlem you could feel the love Leo has for his community. Leo gave Harlem history as only a true community leader could, he also gave a little personal history and contemporary knowledge. You will not be disappointed with this tour.
A very very good tour with Neal Schumaker. He grew up and lives in Harlem and knows so many people whom he greeted as we walked along. His mom even waved down to us from her apartment in a project building. 🙂 Neal is very knowledgeable and interesting. His love of Harlem, social justice, and even architecture and music are evident in all that he says about this historical area. Highly recommended. Just do it. 👍
Walking tour was very informative. We even got a piece of whiting from a local shop for free 😋 I would have liked more information on the Appolo theater but it was closed.
Neil was great! He offered a fantastic look at the Civil Rights movement from Harlem’s perspective, and gave us a real sense of not only the history but the character and feel of the area. It was cold, so our tour asked if we could stop for coffee and hot chocolate. Ended up having a great bonus hang and chat right in the middle of the tour. Highly recommend!
Learned so much about Harlem’s history, including how it got its name from the Dutch. Saw places where Duke Ellington’s band played and Billie Holiday sang the blues. Saw the site of the famous ballroom where integrated crowds danced the Lindy Hop.
Mr. Shoemaker kindly and enthusiastically took us through the streets of Harlem on a drizzly winter day. We learned about landmarks, cultural hubs, and anything we asked questions about. Fantastic experience. Lunch at Sylvia's after.
Our guide Mr Harlem was a fountain of knowledge and took us through the history of New York from pre founding fathers to present day, weaving in key civil rights and sports stars along with the personal experiences of everyday residents in Harlem. A real historian and educator, with a thoughtful and reflective manner. Unforgettable. Thanks so much, Tamsin, Rosa & Cassius.
Call to make sure it’s actually going to happen. This tour was supposed to happen and no one notified me that it wasn’t going to happen after taking the subway and walking in heat and humid to get there.
This tour was highly informative on so many levels and helped my family understand even more about Harlem than we already knew! In addition to sharing historical facts, Neal introduced us to current Harlemites and allowed them to speak about Harlem and its impact on their lives. His demeanor and level of knowledge were impeccable. The level of respect he showed to community leaders and their respect for him was also great to see!
