New York Harlem Half-Day Wednesday Tour and Gospel Mass

Explore the streets of Harlem on a Wednesday afternoon on a half-day tour with gospel mass. Founded in the 2nd half of 1600 as a Dutch farming community, Harlem grew enormously during the first great wave of migration at the turn of the 19th century. Between 1880 and 1920 large numbers of immigrants, especially Italians and Jewish Russians, arrived at Ellis Island and settled in New York. As you explore the fabled streets of Harlem, learn about significant moments in history, such as the abolition of slavery by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Hear about the row of tenements on 133rd Street, purchased by the Afro-American, real estate entrepreneur, Philip Peyton through his Afro-American Realty Co, and learn how he rented them to the newly emancipated black population with enormous success. By 1913 there were over 60,000 African-Americans living in Harlem, and more came to create the spiritual home of black America. Your guide will take you through the Prohibition years, tell you about the Harlem Renaissance, and the degradation of the 1970s. Hear about Harlem’s recent recovery in the ‘90s. Explore the historic district of Sugar Hill, Convent Avenue, Hamilton Grange, and Sylvan Terrace. See the Apollo Theatre, Hotel Theresa on 125th Street, and President Bill Clinton’s office. Then go to a Baptist Church to attend a true Gospel Mass.