Portsmouth Tour with Sankofa Scholar Sonya Arroyo
Trace Ona Judge's daring 1796 escape on a three-hour Sankofa Scholar-led bus tour through Portsmouth. Join Sonya Arroyo for a focused, evidence-based look at how local people and places shaped a path to freedom.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity; participants should be able to stand and walk short distances on uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Ona Judge escaped from the Washington household in 1796 and lived under the constant threat of capture while building a life in Portsmouth; President Washington pursued legal and personal efforts to recover her.
Conservation
Respect for historic buildings and neighborhood residents helps preserve Portsmouth's heritage; follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing private property.
Portsmouth Tour with Sankofa Scholar Sonya Arroyo
Arrive in Manchester Early
Leave time to find the meeting point and board; buses depart promptly and late arrivals may miss the tour.
Dress for Weather and Walking
Wear layers and comfortable shoes—the tour includes short walks on uneven historic streets and outdoor waterfront views.
Bring a Notebook
Guides reference primary-source details and names; a small notebook lets you capture quotes and follow-up research leads.
Respect Historic Sites
This is living history—avoid touching private property and follow the guide's route to preserve fragile architecture and neighborhood privacy.
Weather-appropriate layers
Quick layers adapt to coastal winds and sudden temperature shifts during the tour.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes make short walks on cobblestones and sidewalks easier.
Notebook and pen
Useful for jotting quotes, names, and follow-up research suggested by the guide.
Portable phone charger
Keeps devices powered for photos and for following linked resources or referrals provided during the tour.