Doors Open on a Black History Tour of Pittsburgh

“Ride With the King: Black History Tour” will give visitors an inside look at some of the area’s historic, and a few modern, African-American churches.

photo courtesy doors open pittsburgh
 

Doors Open Pittsburgh is providing another opportunity for people to look inside some of the area’s most architecturally stunning buildings — and learn some history while they’re at it.

As a kickoff to Black History Month in February, the nonprofit is hosting “Ride With the King: Black History Tour.”

Taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, the event — which includes self-guided and bus tours — features some of Pittsburgh’s historic, as well as a few modern, African-American churches.

While inside these churches, visitors will be immersed in Pittsburgh's African-American history with first-hand stories from leaders in the church community as well as storytelling of famous hymnal musicians, local contributions to the fight against slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Churches on the tour include St. James African Church in East Liberty, Bethel AME Church in Uptown and Brown Chapel AME Church in central Northside.

The bus tour starts at the Heritage Center inside the Dollar Bank Fourth Avenue Building, Downtown, where visitors will see original handwritten ledgers containing records of the bank's African-American customers from the 1800s.

It concludes in the Cultural District at the August Wilson Center, where visitors will have a chance to explore “Familiar Boundaries. Infinite Possibilities,” featuring the work of 12 black contemporary artists. The exhibition includes Flying Girls by international artist Peju Alatise.

Founded two years ago by Bonnie Baxter, Doors Open Pittsburgh gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at some of the city's most interesting buildings and homes. The two-day event typically takes place every October.

For tickets and additional information, visit here.