A Black History Tour Of Washington D.c. And Baltimore

any student travelers, immersing themselves in theLocated in Baltimore, Maryland, just a short one hour
diverse history of our nation’s origins is a partbus drive from Washington D.C., the National Great
of their curriculum. My company, Educational TravelBlacks in Wax Museum is a favorite of student travel
Consultants, developed a black history tour to highlightgroups. Historical and contemporary figures of African
the historical landmarks and sites that describe thisAmerican history are recreated in life-like wax figures
important human component of our heritage as ain this museum. This is a great way for student travel
nation.group to learn details and stories about the oft
Following is a summary of some major points ofneglected African Americans in history.
interest for the black history tour of Washington D.C.Morgan State University
and Baltimore. Student travel groups who take theAnother Baltimore stop on the Black History Tour is
Black History Tour of Washington D.C. focus on theseMorgan State University, a 130 year old institution that
sites as opposed to traditional stops such as the Whitehas historically served a multi-racial and multi-ethnic
House and the Capital. The black history tour can bestudent body. As one of Maryland’s premier
customized to include major Washington D.C. sites, too.state universities, Morgan State University has held a
Frederick Douglas Historic Homerole of distinction throughout its history. Student travel
One of the most literate and well-respected leaders ofgroups may tour the historic campus and learn more
the abolitionist movement of the 19th Century wasabout Morgan State University’s distinguished
Frederick Douglas. His home in Washington D.C. wasalumus.
designated an historic site in 1988 and is now managedBenjamin Banneker Memorial Circle
by the National Park Service in Washington D.C.This Memorial circle is an actual traffic circle located in
Douglas’ legacy is one of a lettered man whodowntown Washington D.C. Student travel groups can
fought for the oppressed. He had four children and 21visit the Benjamin Banneker Memorial Circle en route
grandchildren, and they frequently gathered at histo other destinations to see this historical marker.
home on holidays and special occasions.Benjamin Banneker helped survey the 10 mile square
Martin Luther King, Jr. Librarypiece of land that was later to become Washington
The main branch of the District of Columbia LibraryD.C. Banneker was a man of science who left a
system in Washington, this building is an example oflasting imprint on the African American community of
modern architecture and it’s predominance ofWashington D.C.
glass, steel, and brick. The King Mural © paintedMetropolitan A.M.E. Church
by Don Miller is on display in the front lobby. This workAlso known as “The Cathedral of African
encompasses a lifetime of work on social justiceMethodism” the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church is a
issues. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is aplace where African American community has
testament to King’s influence on American lifegathered since the 1800s. Many distinguished political
and racial politics.figures have spoken from the pulpits of Metropolitan
National Museum of African ArtA.M.E. church, including Frederick Douglas, William
The National Museum of African Art is part of theHoward Taft, and Jimmy Carter. This gothic style
Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The workschurch was built by black artisans and can seat 2,500
that are in the collections here represent the diversitypeople. It is truly a public meeting place for the African
of arts from the African continent. A portion of the artAmerican community in Washington D.C. and is an
in the collection is aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian asimportant stop for the student travel tour with a focus
well. The National Museum of African Art includeson black history.
ceramics, tiles, furniture, tools and masks, figures andThe specially designed black history tour of
musical instruments as well as traditional artistic formsWashington D.C. and Baltimore is a great way to
such as painting, printmaking and sculpture. Studentfamiliarize a student travel group with the diversity
travel groups will be exposed toinherent in our country’s history. Educational
“Africa’s rich cultural diversity”Travel Consultants also offers a black history tour of
when they explore this unique collection.Alabama and Atlanta.
Great Blacks in Wax Museum