Want to see where Oregon’s Black history happened? Get ready to walk with us! Oregon Black Pioneers is bringing back our public walking tours for 2026.
Explore locations around Oregon, including multiple tours in Portland’s historically Black Albina neighborhood. All tours stop at locations connected to each area’s African American history, with themes that include Black-owned businesses, community change, and civil rights. And thanks to the Collins Foundation’s generous support, the Portland tours are just $10, and we’re able to bring back our wonderful volunteer tour guide, NoraJane. In the past, notable guests have joined our tours and shared their stories, and we have some surprises in store this year, too!
We asked last year’s tour guests what was most memorable about the experience:
“Zach really engaged the group. Made the history come alive.”
“Mariah did an excellent job in not just relaying the history but telling a story with it, a clear story that felt easy to follow, where she could go back & forth in the timeline without losing us. I know I will remember far more of the history itself because of *how* she relayed it.”
“NoraJane’s enthusiasm for the barbershop that’s been in business for decades! 🙂 Truly, her knowledge throughout the tour was impressive, and I enjoyed how approachable she was, too.”
“I loved how interactive it was & the integration of other local history relevant to the tour.”
“I enjoyed that Mariah talked about past pioneers, as well as current! I also liked her enthusiasm and she was delightful! I like the walking aspect and views.”
“It was so interesting walking in those historic neighborhoods and learning about the history. NoraJane was great.”
Here are the dates for this season. All tours are on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Get tickets here.
May to September, multiple dates: Portland
May 30: Jacksonville – with special guest Dr. Geneva Craig
June 20: Oregon City – with special guest Mayor Denyse McGriff
July 11: Eugene – with special guest Talicia Brown
Aug. 22: Salem – with special guest Gwen Carr
Sep. 12: Astoria – with special guest Ron Craig
These tours use public streets and sidewalks where ADA accessibility can vary. We suggest attendees wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring enough water to stay hydrated.
Want to know more about how these tours came to be? Check out our wrap-up blog from the last successful season of walking tours around Oregon to learn more.
Tickets are ON SALE NOW and limited to 35 people per tour. They tend to sell out quickly, so make sure to get yours today!