Civil Rights from the Beginning
Starting at The African American Civil War Museum
1 Days | Spring | Summer | Fall
Starting At $Flexible Pricing
No period in American History ever brought more profound change into the lives of African Americans than the Civil War and Reconstruction 1861-1877. Come visit two wonderful Washington DC museums that tell the story.
Highlights
Tour Highlights
|
We are happy to accommodate Groups who want to add a night or two, or further customize their trip.
StarrGroups Flexible Pricing:
- Customizable Comps
- Commissionable or Net Rates
- Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
- Starr Tours Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tours Managers are available
Whatever you want, StarrGroups will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs. Just let us know!
Itinerary
You depart early this morning traveling on a Starr Tours Motorcoach to Washington, DC. On arrival, you first visit the African American Civil War Museum & Memorial. It tells the largely unknown story of the United States Colored Troops (USCT), and honors the many soldiers who fought for freedom during the American Civil War. At the core of the Museum’s mission is a learning experience that interprets the history of the USCT troops and community life of African Americans before and after the American Civil War.
The Museum is located in the heart of the U Street Corridor where churches and cultural institutions were once occasional stops on the Underground Railroad. Slaves and runaways held religious services here in tents during the Civil War – some of those tents became churches that now thrive along the Corridor.
Also here is the Civil War Memorial Sculpture and Wall of Honor. It’s a stunning sight: the Spirit of Freedom Sculpture portrays uniformed soldiers and a sailor at a height of ten feet in front of a family. It is situated in the center of a granite paved plaza, encircled on three sides by a Wall of Honor. The Wall lists the names of 209,145 soldiers of the United States Colored Troops, drawn from records at the National Archives. The names are burnished on 166 stainless steel plaques and arranged by regiment.
Next, you enjoy lunch at Oohh’s & Aahh’s Restaurant. This restaurant offers mind-blowing soul food. It was founded by Oji Abbott, a star-studded chef born and raised in Washington. The Southern dishes served here are a blend of family recipes and skilled culinary techniques, in a combination that will melt your taste buds.
After lunch you visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is the only national museum devoted exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts.
Of particular interest, when visiting after the Civil War Museum, is an exhibit titled “Make Good the Promises: Reconstruction and Its Legacies.” The Reconstruction Era is is an often-overlooked period of history. There are more than 175 objects, 300 images and 14 media programs. This exhibit closes on Aug. 21, 2022. It and its companion book, form the centerpiece of activities celebrating the fifth anniversary of the museum’s opening.
Before departing Washington DC, you make a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. The King National Memorial celebrates the powerful words of Dr. King and their ongoing ability to lead us toward a better world for everyone.