About This Tour
This isn’t a tour—it’s lived history. Walk the streets of the most segregated city in America as they were experienced by those who lived through its darkest and most defining hour. Your guide is Wilhelmina Thomas—storyteller, needlewoman, and “craftivist”—who grew up in Birmingham’s Riley, Wenonah, and Hillman communities. She attended the very schools shaped by this city’s history: Wenonah Elementary, Riley Elementary, and Jones Valley High. Her earliest memories include the church, the civic league, and the Civil Rights Movement itself. This tour reveals the truth beneath the façade—the daily struggles, the acts of defiance, and the sacred spaces where ordinary people did extraordinary things. Hear personal accounts of life under Jim Crow Visit Kelly Ingram Park, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and other landmarks Reflect at the sites of protest, pain, and perseverance Includes a free “Witness Packet” digital download for direct bookings They stood. We walk.
Photo Gallery
Prince Hall Masonic Temple
4 Little Girls Statue
Eddie Kendricks Memorial
Statue in Kelly Ingraham Park
A G Gaston Motel
TopTours Insights
The Sacred Ground of 1963: Birmingham’s Civil Rights Struggle
This walking tour with The Birmingham Historic Touring Company explores key sites of the 1963 Civil Rights Struggle. You'll gain an understanding of pivotal moments that shaped the movement, with all fees and taxes included. It’s well-suited for those seeking an educational and reflective experience focused on historical significance.
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What's Included
Additional Information
Meeting Point
285 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206 - on the SouthEast corner of 20th Street North and 3rd Avenue North...This is DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM - not Irondale (please check your GPS)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather
Tour Operator
The Birmingham Historic Touring Company
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The Sacred Ground of 1963: Birmingham’s Civil Rights Struggle
Who operates this experience?
This experience is operated by The Birmingham Historic Touring Company.
What's included?
This tour includes All Fees and Taxes. All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.
How long is this tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled by the operator. In such cases, you'll be offered a refund or reschedule.
Will I receive instant confirmation?
Yes, you'll receive instant confirmation when you book.
What to expect on this tour?
This tour experience lasts approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to All Fees and Taxes.
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