Saturday, May 24th

The African American Heritage Tour of Portsmouth

Explore Portsmouth’s rich Black history and cultural heritage on the Umoja Festival Heritage Tour, Saturday May 24th. Enjoy free transportation, self-guided museum visits, and special performances as you travel between key landmarks in the city’s African American story.

THE HERITAGE TOUR

Saturday, May 24th

Transportation

Ride in comfort on a 55-passenger bus running continuous loops throughout the afternoon.

Transportation and entrance to the exhibits is free and open to the public!

Where to Catch the Bus

Visit the museum staff table near City Hall in Festival Park for directions and information. Staff will be available to help you get oriented and ready for the journey.

Tour Schedule

  • First Departure: 1:30 PM from Festival Park
  • Route: Festival Park → Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center (PACC) → Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum (PCCLM) → Festival Park
  • Loop Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
  • Last Departures:
    • PACC: 4:00–4:10 PM
    • PCCLM: 4:15–4:25 PM
    • Final return to Festival Park by 4:30 PM
Museum Experiences (Self-Guided)
Enjoy the flexibility of self-guided tours at each museum stop, where you can explore powerful exhibits at your own pace. Discover stories of resilience, creativity, and cultural legacy through art, history, and live performances that celebrate Portsmouth’s African American heritage.

Forged in Hampton Roads Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum (PCCLM)

Discover the untold stories of African American contributions to shipbuilding and industry in Hampton Roads. This exhibit highlights the strength, skill, and legacy of Black laborers who shaped the region’s maritime history.

Waves of Strength Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center (PACC)

This powerful exhibit celebrates the resilience of African American communities in coastal Virginia, using art to explore identity, heritage, and empowerment through generations.

A Purple Patchwork: Sewn in Sisterhood Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center (PACC)

Experience a moving collection of textile art that honors the voices and stories of Black women. Through quiltwork and mixed media, the exhibit stitches together themes of unity, sisterhood, and self-expression.

Live Musical Performances at PACC Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center (PACC)

Don’t miss two special performances during the tour at 2:30 PM and 3:15 PM

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