Black Barbers of Charlottesville Walking Tour

Hear the history and stories of some of Charlottesville's Black barbers through the period of Jim Crow and segregation in Charlottesville.

Take a look at the city of Charlottesville through the history of its Black barbers. Focusing on stories from the late-19th and early-20th centuries, this tour covers the history of Jim Crow, segregation, and into the Civil Rights Movement. Playing a pivotal role in society and business, Charlottesville’s Black barbers held influential positions within the local community and their barbershops were places of gathering and commerce, while also sometimes being spaces of racial tension. Learn about these complexities and more through stories of men like John West, James Ferguson, and Washington Pollard.

Tour begins at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, 200 Second Street NE, Charlottesville.

Important Information:

- This is a 60-minute guided walking tour.

- This tour involves less than one mile of walking, but does include stairs, standing, and inclines. Please be advised that there will not always be seating available at stops on the tour and that the tour route may not be accessible for guests in mobility devices.

- Tours run rain or shine, but may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather when conditions are dangerous for guests and tour guides.

- This ticket is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please see other FAQs below.