As you prepare to retire and settle down in one of the active 55+ communities in Houston, TX, you may be looking for ways to explore and learn more about the city’s cultural heritage. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a Black history tour, which can offer insights into the contributions of Black Texans throughout the city’s history. Here is a guide to some of the top Black history tours in Houston, TX.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Black history in Houston. The museum focuses on the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of Black soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. Exhibits explore the lives of these brave soldiers and their contributions to American history.
Emancipation Park Conservancy
Emancipation Park is a historic park in Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood, which was established in 1872 as a place for Black residents to gather and celebrate their freedom from slavery. Today, the park is a popular destination for community events, and the Emancipation Park Conservancy offers guided tours that delve into the park’s history and significance.
Project Row Houses
Project Row Houses is a community-based arts and culture organization in Houston’s Third Ward, which aims to promote the creative expression of African American artists and culture. The organization’s guided tours provide insights into the history of the Third Ward and the role of art and culture in promoting social justice.
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park is a living history museum that showcases Houston’s history through its buildings and artifacts. The museum’s African American Heritage Trail features exhibits and tours that explore the lives of Houston’s Black residents, from slavery to the civil rights movement.
Houston Museum of African American Culture
The Houston Museum of African American Culture is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art, history, and culture of African Americans in Houston and beyond. The museum’s exhibits and events showcase the contributions of Black Texans to the arts, sciences, and other fields.
The Rothko Chapel
The Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel and art museum that features a series of large-scale paintings by the artist Mark Rothko. The chapel also hosts a variety of cultural events and programs, including discussions on race and social justice.
The Houston Slave Trade Marker and Walking Tour
The Houston Slave Trade Marker and Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that explores the city’s role in the domestic slave trade. The tour includes stops at historic sites, such as the site of the city’s largest slave auction, and provides insights into the lives of enslaved people in Houston.
Time to Appreciate Black History
As you explore these and other Black history tours in Houston, TX, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Houston’s rich cultural heritage and the contributions of Black Texans to its history and development. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a new arrival, these tours offer a unique perspective on Houston’s past and present and can help you feel more connected to the vibrant community of elderly folks living in active 55+ communities.
