posted by Amy Hillier

on July 27, 2007

Congratulations to Charlene Palmore-Lewis, a recent PennDesign grad in Historic Preservation, for realizing her dream of starting an African-American history tour company in Philadelphia. Several of us have already riden the "tutle bus" for the 3-hour tour around Philadelphia. The tour lasts 3 hours and leaves from the Visitor's Center at 6th and Market Streets Tues-Sat. at 9:00 and 1:00.

The tour features plenty of things that are familiar to the Du Bois team: talk of Du Bois and his study, a walk through Mother Bethel AME Church, discussion of Octavius Catto and Marion Anderson. But I didn't know much about the slave auctions that took place at Front and Market Streets or about the new Underground Railroad Tours being given at Belmont Mansion.

The tour features a great blend of stories, facts, stops (yes, you get off the bus and walk around), and even singing. We made one unexpected stop: we couldn't resist getting out at the Whispering Wall in Fairmount Park, right by Memorial Hall. If you've never been there, stop at the main entrance to Memorial Hall, by the big curved benches. Sit one person at each end and speak softly. You'll be amazed.