TRY A SELF-GUIDED CITY TOUR
HISTORIC PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
Billie Holiday statue by sculptor James Earl Reid .
Baltimore ’ s Pennsylvania Avenue is a historic African American neighborhood that became known as one of the nation ’ s stellar African American entertainment districts . So much so that the Baltimore National Heritage Area had been offering walking tours of this area ( in addition to others ) until it paused these organized events in 2020 due to the pandemic . Today , as staff hope to reopen tours later this year , you can learn more about virtual tour offerings on the organization ’ s website . Or , if you ’ re up to it , try a selfdirected and socially distanced walk . If you venture out , you ’ ll be able to stroll past standout residential and church architecture and see the historic avenue for yourself .
You can also plan your own adventure by plotting out a few must-see places around town on your own and setting out for a quick stroll .
TIP
Download the “ GPSmyCity : Walks in 1K + Cities ” app to your mobile phone and choose the “ Baltimore African American Heritage Walking Tour ” if you ’ d rather let someone else guide your experience . On this four-hour narrated tour , you can see eight attractions in all , including the Lewis Museum , which appears earlier on our list . But you ’ ll also see the Thurgood Marshall Monument , Billie Holiday Monument and more .
LET HISTORY LIVE ON
Finally , no matter what you choose , please understand : We don ’ t have to end our recognition of Black history after the 28 days of February have passed . We can continue to appreciate this historic city and join together to celebrate what it has brought us . And what it continues to bring . There will be more work to do , and experiences to have . Both can begin here . VB
BLACK HISTORY
34 BALTIMORE . ORG
COURTESY OF PRESERVATION MARYLAND