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25+ Important Places to Visit and Learn About Black History in North Carolina

Published by Carl. Last Updated on February 5, 2025.

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This guide features important places to visit and learn about Black History in North Carolina, from the mountains to the sea! 

Black history in North Carolina, like most things in life, is better understood at the locations where important events transpired. From Underground Railroad sites to Civil Rights landmarks and hubs of African-American business, this guide features some inspiring places for you to visit.

Black History Month in February results in increased traffic to these sites, but we hope you’ll keep these landmarks in mind throughout the year. Such important parts of America’s story should not be limited to simply one month.

Whether youโ€™re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, weโ€™re leaving no detail behind. If you live in North Carolina and are wondering, โ€œAre there any African American museums near me?โ€ we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina

List of Places to Learn Black History in North Carolina (+ Map)

Map of Black History in North Carolina

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For the guide, we’ve alphabetically arranged these important places in Black history in North Carolina.

You can also visually plan your adventures with this map we created via Google Maps. Before you do that, keep reading for more details on each site.

Read More: The NC Tripping North Carolina Travel Map

African-American Museum of History & Culture

Address: 300 S. Firestone St., Suite P, Gastonia, NC
Official Website

Gastoniaโ€™s African-American Museum of History & Culture at Loray Mill is one of the newer places to learn about Black history in North Carolina. Open since February 2019, this museum honors African Americans who have contributed to the Gaston County community.

These influential contributors include business leaders, artists, and more change-makers whoโ€™ve made an impact on Gaston County.

African-American Music Trail

Address: Various Locations in Eastern NC
Official Website

a mural dedicated to Black History in Goldsboro NC
Goldsboro.

The African-American Music Trail is the first of a few car-friendly ways to learn about North Carolina Black History and Music. Itโ€™s spread across multiple cities and towns in Eastern North Carolina.

Some of our favorite exhibits include the art installations at Kinstonโ€™s Music Park and the beautiful mural in Goldsboro. There’s much more to discover here, however; purchase a guidebook via the NC Arts Council and learn about the trail and musicians who lived and played along it.

Black History Murals

Address: Various Locations

Durham Civil Rights Mural along the African-American Music Trail
Durham Civil Rights Mural.

The African-American Music Trail is one of many ways to learn Black history in North Carolina through the arts. Another way is to admire the many murals that honor Black North Carolinians who were musicians but who also made a difference in other ways.

Here are a few examples:

These are just a few amazing representations of people who’ve made a difference. If you know of anything else that we should feature, please feel free to contact us.

Also, this guide is not finished sharing Black History through art. So keep reading for more!

Black Wall St

Historical Marker Address: Corner of Parrish and Mangum Streets, Durham, NC

The exterior of a building on Black Wall Street (Parrish Street) in Durham, NC

Parrish Street in Durham was once known as a hub of African-American enterprise. It spanned four blocks and earned the praise of prominent figures such as Booker T Washington and WEB Dubois.

Today, a historical marker sits at the corner of Parrish and Mangum streets, commemorating Durham’s Black Wall Street. The old headquarters of Mechanics and Farmers Bank, one of many businesses to have originated here, has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Read More: 17 Amazing Eno River State Park Trails (+ Bonus Hikes)

Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum

Address: 6136 Burlington Rd, Gibsonville, NC
Official Website

The Sign for the Palmer Memorial Institute in Greensboro, NC

In 1901, teacher Charlotte Hawkins Brown established the Alice Freeman Palmer Institute in Gibsonville, near Greensboro. As president of the preparatory school for 50 years, Brown graduated more than 1,000 African-American students.

Thanks to the efforts of Brown’s niece and her classmate, the site was designated as North Carolina’s first African-American State Historic Site. Today, you can visit and walk through the shoes of the many students who lived and learned at the school.

Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Address: 23645 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC
Official Website

The exterior of the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in the Outer Banks

Drive down US 12 on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, one of our favorite scenic roads, and you’ll eventually come upon the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Commissioned in late 1874, this was the first life-saving station along North Carolina’s coast.

It was also America’s only life-saving station crewed by African Americans. One notable feat of heroism came in 1896 when the surfmen rescued all nine passengers of the ES Newman while battling a hurricane.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks

Halifax Underground Railroad Trail

Address: Various Locations in Halifax County
Official Website

A small barn in the Underground Railroad Trail in Halifax County, NC
Halifax.

The Halifax Underground Railroad Trail will take you around three towns in Halifax County. Each National Park Service-designated site provides a piece of the story of a runaway slave’s journey to freedom.

  • Halifax (25 St David St) is where you’ll find the first site. Here, you’ll find a series of wanted ads once posted in North Carolina newspapers. These ads will lead you to the Roanoke River, a guiding path for the “runaways” in their escape.
  • River Falls Park in the town of Weldon (100 Rockfish Dr) hosts the second site. The Roanoke River comes into full view here and demonstrates the dangerous circumstances presented to those who escaped.
  • Finally, the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail in Roanoke Rapids offers information about the slaves who largely built the canal. Ironically, after its completion, that same canal was utilized as part of the escape route.

Read More: Sylvan Heights Bird Park (How to See 2,000 Exotic Bird Species and More!)

Harriet Jacobs Trail

Address: 108 N. Broad St, Edenton, NC
Official Website

When in the historic town of Edenton, you should seek out sites that commemorate Harriet Jacobs, an African-American writer. Stop by the Historic Edenton State Visitor Center to begin your journey.

An exhibit inside the Visitor Center features photos and illustrations of her life and the people and places associated with it. You can also embark on a self-guided tour and visit sites related to Jacobs and her eventual escape north via the Maritime Underground Railroad.

Read More: Penelope Barker House in Edenton (How to Visit and Why!)

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Address: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC
Official Website

The Harvey B Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (The Gantt) is part of the Levine Center for the Arts in Charlotte.

The Gantt’s location and design offer much insight into Black history in Charlotte, residing in the razed Brooklyn neighborhood that once was a Black community hub. Its outer aesthetic is inspired by the demolished Myers Street School, once Queen City’s only African-American public school.

Inside the Gantt, you’ll find exhibits dedicated to Black history, art, and culture in North Carolina and beyond. The Gantt also works with local creatives to cultivate a community of arts in Charlotte, a community that will hopefully last for many years.

Read More: 20+ Awesome Museums in Charlotte and Nearby!

The Historic Magnolia House

Address: 442 Gorrell St, Greensboro, NC
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a white 2 story-house named the Magnolia House in Greensboro

If you are looking for an overnight Black History experience, we highly recommend staying at The Historic Magnolia House in Greensboro. The Magnolia House is a Green Book site, meaning that it was listed as safe for Black travelers during Jim Crow.

This essentially makes it a living Black History museum in Greensboro, NC.

Among its clientele, multiple famous Black musicians, authors, and sports figures have stayed at The Magnolia House.

Along with its historical significance, The Magnolia Houseโ€™s Sunday brunch earned it a spot among the best places to eat in Greensboro! Itโ€™s open to the public on Sundays and they serve some of the best grits in all of North Carolina.

Read More: 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Greensboro

Historic Stagville

Address: 5828 Old Oxford, Highway, Durham, NC
Official Website

a field with a few wooden cottages at the Historic Stagville

Historic Stagville is the former site of a massive plantation in North Carolina. It once housed more than 900 enslaved people, and today, the site is trying to tell the story of those who were forced to live and work here.

There are tours held throughout much of the week, though you can visit either the one-time main house or Horton Grove, which housed the enslaved people.

Hood Huggers International Tours

Address: Asheville, NC
Official Website

DeWayne Barton leads Hood Huggers International Tours, an interactive look at Black history in Asheville. He’ll take you through neighborhoods flourishing with the arts, music, and more grassroots initiatives.

A common theme in this community is resilience, a theme that is worth listening to during one of Barton’s tours. Both driving tours and walking tours are available, offering a nice mix depending on your ability to keep up.

Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Downtown Asheville

International Civil Rights Center & Museum

Address: 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC
Official Website

a street view of Woolworth Co., currently known as the International Civil Rights Center & Museum

Today, itโ€™s known as the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, but before February 1, 1960, it was a whites-only lunch counter. On that day, a group of four North Carolina A&T students took action that would change the world.

a monument in the shape of a mug with four individuals sitting inside the cup

The African American museum in NC commemorates the A&T Four, who each took a seat at the counter and peacefully fought for change. Galleries and exhibits share the story of their five-month-long sit-in but also the greater Civil Rights struggle as a whole.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Greensboro

Montford Memorial

Address: Montford Landing Rd. & Lejeune Blvd, Jacksonville, NC
Official Website

a POV view of Montford Memorial in Jacksonville

Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville is a powerful place, with monuments dedicated to Americans who fought and died in multiple wars and important moments in our history. Also at Lejeune is the Montford Point Marine Memorial, which remembers African-Americans who trained during and after World War II from 1942-49, all while segregated from the white soldiers.

There’s also a wall of 20,000 stars dedicated to honoring the unnamed troops because no active roster can be located. Another thing to appreciate about the Montford Point Marine Association is that they continue to search for those who served from โ€™42 to โ€™49.

When identified, these veterans are presented with congressional gold medals. In case you know a Montford Point Marine who hasnโ€™t yet been recognized, please contact the Montford Point Marine Association.

Read More: 20 Amazing Restaurants in Jacksonville, NC and Onslow County

Nina Simone Plaza

Address: 54 N Trade St, Tryon, NC
Official Website

Nina Simone Plaza Tryon NC

Nina Simone Plaza in Tryon honors one of the world’s most powerful and iconic voices. Born Eunice Waymon in 1933, Tryon was Nina Simone’s childhood home until she moved to Asheville to continue her education.

This Nina Simone mural is just down the street from Nina Simone Plaza.
This Nina Simone mural is just down the street from Nina Simone Plaza.

That education eventually led to Julliard and a professional career in singing. The name “Nina Simone” came as a disguise from her family, whom she feared would not approve of her playing “the devil’s music.”

North Carolina Museum of History

Address: 5 East Edenton Street, Bicentennial Plaza, Raleigh, NC
Official Website

the signs on the wall in Woolworth's Luncheonette in Raleigh

Each February, the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh celebrates Black History Month with special exhibits and tours, but they still offer much to learn at any other time of the year.

At the time of writing, the museum is closed for renovations but on February 5, they’ll be hosting History at High Noon: North Carolina Patriots of Color in the Revolutionary War. This FREE event will be held via Zoom, and will recognize the 400 men of African and Native American descent that fought for the Continental Army in the American Revolution.

Read More: Things to Do in Raleigh

Oliver Nestus Freeman Roundhouse Museum

Address: 1202 Nash St, Wilson, NC
Official Website

The exterior and garden near Oliver Nestus Freeman Roundhouse Museum in Wilson

The Oliver Nestus Freeman Roundhouse Museum in Wilson is housed in one of the most unique buildings you’ll find. Inside, the museum offers an insight into African-American life and contributions to the Wilson community from slavery through today.

You’ll also find examples of Freeman’s work in and around the house. Freeman’s work accentuates this amazing place where all can come and learn about Black history in North Carolina.

Pope House Museum

Address: 511 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC
Official Website

The Pope House Museum is special for more than a few reasons. For starters, it is North Carolina’s only African-American house museum.

This free Raleigh attraction commemorates Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, who built the home and was also the only African-American male to run for mayor in a Southern capital city during the Jim Crow era.

During a tour, you’ll find original family furnishings, historic artifacts, and more.

Read More: Things to Do With Kids in Raleigh

Princeville

Address: Princeville, NC
Official Website

a small trailer at the Princeville Museum and Welcome Center

The Princeville Museum and Welcome Center honors the oldest town incorporated by African Americans. A group of freed slaves founded this town and named it “Freedom Hill” after the Civil War.

Sitting right across the Tar River from Tarboro is a mobile museum designed by NC State students, accompanied by an informative display. Just before you reach the bridge that crosses the river, you’ll also see a historic marker that briefly describes Freedom Hill.

St Phillips Moravian Church

Address: 3002 Bon Air Ave NE, Winston-Salem, NC
Facebook Page

St Phillips is a unique contribution to Black history in North Carolina (and the United States). Many of the Moravians who worshipped here between 1823 and 1861 were enslaved, and the only congregation historically made up of African-American Moravians in the US.

You can still join the church congregations on Sundays in their Historic Brick Church inside the Old Salem complex.

Read More: Museums in Winston-Salem

Somerset Place State Historic Site

Address: 2572 Lake Shore Road, Creswell, NC
Official Website

a small slim white house at Somerset Place used during the civil war.

Somerset Place was once a working plantation and sawmill that produced rice, corn, lumber, and more. Hundreds of enslaved people were responsible for these products (and more) over 80 years until the end of the Civil War.

It was once among the South’s largest plantations but has since been transformed into an interactive educational tool. You can walk around the site and many of its buildings, which are paired with explanatory exhibit markers.

Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum

Address: Corner Of Main and, Gladden St, Washington, NC
Official Website

a train box car with a logo from the Seaboard Coast Line at the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum

The Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum details Washington and Beaufort County’s history of slavery. Housed in a caboose, the museum’s collection also shares the story of enslaved people in the area who sought freedom from slavery.

This site is designated by the National Parks Service’s “Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.”

Young Men’s Institute (Asheville)

Address: 29 Eagle St, Asheville, NC
Official Website

The Young Men’s Institute in Asheville was built as a YMCA equivalent for Black men and boys who helped construct the Biltmore Estate. In fact, it’s designed similarly to many of the homes at the estate and buildings in Biltmore Village.

Today, the YMI (now the YMI Cultural Center) hosts exhibitions, educational, cultural, and social activities, along with leadership and economic development programs.

Read More: How to Enjoy Christmas at Biltmore

Where Can We Learn More Black History in North Carolina?

As much as we love books and articles about these places, you’re not going to learn as much about North Carolina Black history facts as you can from a visit to one of these awesome places!

Also, please let us know if we left out any vital spots for Black history in North Carolina! We’re always happy to hear about that.

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