Land Adventures with Weeksville Heritage Center
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required
Overview
Discover Brooklyn’s rich African American history with engaging group tours at the Weeksville Heritage Center. Learn stories of resilience, culture, and community that shaped this vibrant neighborhood.
Group Tours
1 hour • Ages 7+ • Up to 14 people
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Discover the history of Weeksville!
Duration
1 hour
About:
Weeksville, part of the present-day neighborhoods of Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant, was an independent free black community, named for James Weeks. Weeks purchased property in 1838, along with other African American investors, in order to create an intentional landowning community.
Continuing the legacy of self-determination, Weeksville's history was rediscovered in 1968 when urbanization threatened to erase the physical memory by destroying the few remaining historic homes. Instead, a grassroots preservation effort was led by James Hurley, Dewey Harley, Dolores McCullough, and Patricia Johnson, and eventually artist and activist, Joan Maynard to preserve the Hunterfly Road Houses and the memory of historic Weeksville.
Due to the size of the historic homes and current Covid safety guidance, we can only accommodate 7 visitors in each home at a given time. If your group size exceeds 7 visitors, we will divide the group in half and conduct two tours concurrently.
Adventure Tips
Book in advance
Reserve your spot early to ensure availability for your group.
Wear comfortable shoes
Tours involve walking through historic sites and outdoor spaces; comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring water
Stay hydrated while exploring Brooklyn’s historic streets and outdoor areas.
Respect heritage sites
Help preserve the historic structures by following guidelines and instructions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons and urban birds
- Squirrels in outdoor areas
History
Weeksville was established in the 1830s as a haven for free Black residents fleeing slavery and discrimination, making it one of the earliest free Black communities in the U.S.
Conservation
The Heritage Center actively works to preserve historic structures and promote educational programs that support cultural sustainability.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in New York City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Critical for exploring historic sites and outdoor areas comfortably.
Notebook and pen
Capture insights and notes from the tour to revisit later.
Camera or smartphone
Perfect for snapping photos of historic landmarks and outdoor scenes.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, or sunglasses help stay protected during outdoor touring.
spring;summer;fall specific