Mobile is a city rich with history — especially the narratives of African Americans heritage in the Port City. Enter the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail: a guided journey through Africatown that educates guests on the Clotilda’s legacy, celebrates influential figures + highlights sites that shaped Black culture.
Recently, USA Today’s 10Best recognized the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail (DFF AAHT) as one of only 20 nominees for a list of the best history tours across the country. The voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards will end Mon., May 11, with the winners to be announced on May 20.
At the time of this article’s publishing, the Mobile trail was ranked third overall. From now until the final deadline, you can vote once daily!
Check out the details:
- Who: Dora Franklin Finley African-America Heritage Trail
- What: USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Best History Tours category
- When: Now until Mon., May 11
- Where to vote: USA Today’s 10Best website, linked here
- How many times you can vote: Once daily, until the May 11 deadline
Keep reading to learn more about the Dora Franklin Finley African-America Heritage Trail!
Explore the Dora Franklin Finley African-America Heritage Trail
The stops on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail reveal hidden stories, cultural sites + a deeper connection to the legacy of Africatown + beyond. They feature 2-hour guided tours, school field trips + maps/resources for self-guided tours.
Here’s more of what the trail highlights:
- Historic landmarks
- Cultural sites
- Influential figures
- Stories of the Clotilda, the last known U.S. slave ship
The trail’s mission is community + education focused.
To educate, preserve, and mark the historic contributions of African Americans in Mobile through storytelling, site-based exploration, and community engagement.“
The Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail’s mission statement
The trail was founded by its namesake, Dora Franklin Finley. Finley was a visionary leader, community advocate + preservationist, dedicated ensuring the stories of Black history in Mobile would remain heard.
“I leave a legacy of an African-American historic trail that is illuminated by stories of “courageous contributors” recognizing their determination and struggle for the inspiration and triumph of all generations to come.”
~ Dora Franklin Finley, on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail website
- Guided tour admission:
- Adults: $44
- Children: $33
- Students: $22
To book a tour + learn more, check out these links below:
For large groups or specific tour times, please email info@dffaaht.org
Make sure to set a reminder to vote on USA Today’s website daily to make sure this Mobile history tour is recognized!
