easy
4–6 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels, but comfortable walking and standing are required.
Discover the powerful history of New Orleans and its slavery legacy with Whitney Plantation and the Soul of New Orleans Tour. A transformative experience that connects past struggles to present resilience.
Black history that can’t be erased | A full day
Experience a profound journey through Black history at the Whitney Plantation, the only museum in Louisiana dedicated to the enslaved's voices. After a reflective lunch, explore New Orleans' urban slavery legacy, uncovering the roots of jazz, Voodoo, and civil rights milestones. This immersive tour connects past struggles to present resilience.
Whitney Plantation/museum + The Soul of New Orleans Combo Tour: “Black History That Can’t Be Erased” Begin your day at the powerful Whitney Plantation, the only museum in Louisiana solely dedicated to interpreting the lives of the enslaved through their own voices and perspectives. Walk the grounds where generations of enslaved Africans endured unimaginable hardship and resistance. With a self-guided audio tour, you'll explore preserved slave cabins, powerful memorials, and firsthand narratives that bring history to life — offering space for reflection, truth, and understanding. After returning to New Orleans, enjoy a lunch break to relax, reflect, and recharge before we continue the journey. The second half of the day leads into our Soul of New Orleans city tour, where we shift from the plantation to the city streets — exploring the unique system of urban slavery that shaped New Orleans in a very different way. From Congo Square to Tremé, from the Mississippi river slave markets to hidden corners of the French Quarter, you’ll learn how enslaved Africans built the city's infrastructure and planted the seeds of its most enduring traditions. This experience dives into the origins of jazz, Black masking culture, Voodoo History and Creole identity, witness the community’s resilience rising from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina—and visit sites marking pivotal civil-rights milestones, including where Leona Tate and Ruby Bridges risked everything to desegregate New Orleans schools. This is more than a tour — it’s a powerful, immersive experience that connects the past to the present. It’s Black history that can’t be erased — from the fields of suffering to the streets of celebration.
Take time to reflect at the Whitney Plantation's memorial sites and listen respectfully to stories shared by guides.
Bring water especially if visiting on hot days, as tours involve outdoor walking and standing.
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for walking through outdoor and urban settings.
Set aside at least half a day to fully experience both the plantation and city tour.
The Whitney Plantation, established in 1752, is one of the oldest plantations in Louisiana and redefines the narrative by focusing exclusively on enslaved peoples’ stories.
The tour places a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and respectful remembrance, supporting efforts to preserve cultural memory and promote social awareness.
Necessary for walking through outdoor and urban sites comfortably.
Stay hydrated during outdoor segments of the tour.
Hat, sunglasses, or sunscreen recommended for sunny weather.
summer specific
Perfect for jotting down thoughts or questions during the educational tour.