Address: | 104 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA |
Phone: | +1 212-280-7888 |
Site: | harlemheritage.com |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM |
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Gleshia Givens
What a WONDERFUL TOUR!!! I am a case manager for a youth group in NJ and was looking for something fun but educational for my students to attend. I could not have selected a better experience for them and ME! The tour guide Neal was very professional, informative, energetic and just engaging with our group. I think it made a difference that he is Made in Harlem, born in raised. I wasnt sure how my students were going to respond but as we walked thru Harlem and Neal began explaining all the history that we were never exposed to their faces just lit up with excitement. They began asking him questions and he had all the answers and more. I couldnt believe how he knew everything about Harlem and people in the community greeted him on the street. One of our ah! moments was being introduced to a ICON, a LEGEND who walked by us and we didnt even know until Neal pointed her out and introduced us to, Ms. Norma Jean Darden, know your history! First African American model to grace the European fashion runway for Versailles. We visited were Marcus Garvey delivered his great speech, visited the street where hip hop started, visited the home of the Powell family, strivers row, toured the Apollo. I must say I truly enjoyed the music that Neal coordinated with the sites, that was so creative and added such a nice touch to the moments in history. My students were so impressed and could not wait to share with their family, friends and even the Mayor of our town their Harlem tour experience. I would highly without any reservations recommend an suggest that anyone who wants to experience the real Harlem, please, please, please reserve your tour with Harlem Heritage Tours. You will never feel the authencity with anyone else. After I posted my day on facebook so many others responded that they also toured with Neal and enjoyed every second that they didnt want it to end. I cant wait to book another group! Every student that participates in my program will experience this tour. You can NEVER read this experience in any book, you have to reserve your feet to experience. I was truly satisfied.
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A Private User
Despite the reservations we might have had about getting up early on a Sunday morning (!), I can absolutely confirm that it was well worth the 8am alarm call.... Our gospel tour was everything I could have hoped for and more - we got welcomed into a service at the fantastic Canaan Baptist Church, watched some really interesting video footage from civil rights era back at the Harlem Heritage office, and took a guided stroll around the neighbourhood, which put everything wed just seen and discussed into living, breathing, modern day context. Neal, our guide, is clearly passionate about Harlem and its rich history, and that came across in the information and knowledge he shared. He seemed to know everyone in the community - most people stopped to say hello and welcome us to Harlem - and he was able to give us an invaluable insight into a neighbourhood that has had its fair share of bad press in the past. As a white British tourist I felt completely safe and at ease in Harlem (I have no idea what the review by Mr. E below is talking about) - I just wish wed had more time to stay there and seek out more of what Harlem has to offer. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see another side of NYC - there is so much more to the city than whats south of Central Park! Im looking forward to heading back to Harlem on my next trip to New York, and perhaps joining Neal for a night time tour of the jazz clubs...
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Tian Marley
We came all the way out to Harlem, New York to find out more about the rich history and cultural heritage of Harlem. We actually got more then we expected. The city has many legendary and famous figures that has accociate whith the city. Muhammad ali, Malcolm x, Franck Lucas, Martin Luther King and many many more. Harlem was a big part of their lives at that time. This is ia not an original bustour. This is a tour that you walk through all of Harlem so that you can capture and feel the historical events. The lecture also conatins very good music that conect the history of harlem. Neil Shoemaker, the tour guide, is born and raised in Harlem so he knows almost everething about the history of this city and black history mixed with personal experience of being black in America in Harlem. The tour is long and very intresting. If you ever choose to go to Harlem, this guide is a must! //Daniel Habtu & Tomas Amanuel.
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A Private User
Neal opened my eyes to Harlem in a way I would have never expected! Our tour promptly began at 1pm with Neal providing an oral history of Harlem and a brief slide show. Both of which were outstanding and truly prepared me for the second part which was the walking tour around Harlem. The part of the tour I especially enjoyed was his ability to transport me back in time. For example, we would be walking and he’d say, “Now picture you’re walking and the horses and buggies are lined along the street …” Just hearing him say words like those helped me visualize the particular era of Harlem he was discussing. In my opinion being on the tour with Neal was like having several generations of passionate family members sit down and share a brilliant history lesson with me! If you’re ever near Harlem please take the time to visit the Harlem Heritage Tours you won’t be disappointed.
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Natasha Dachos
Neal Shoemaker --an excellent tour guide from Harlem Heritage Tours-- educated, entertained and inspired us on a recent tour. We took a group of international graduate students (from the Columbia University School of Social Work) to learn more about Harlem --- when asked what we wanted from the tour, we stated, “Social justice.” We were impressed that at every point on the tour, he brought this angle in amidst a myriad of facts, stories and music (yes, he has an iPad and speakers!). Neal engaged our students and challenged them as social workers to draw on the strengths of Harlem, its people, history and culture in their work. Born and raised in Harlem, Neal is not only knowledgeable about his home, but also extremely passionate. As we said our farewells at The Apollo, we were sad to depart from our new friend and eager to recommend him to all.
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Terra Moore
After seeing a segment on HGTV featuring all the unique things Harlem has to offer, we booked a tour with Neal for our upcoming trip to New York. We choose the "shopping tour and it was amazing! Not normally something my husband would be up for, but our guide Neal was so well informed on the history and unique characteristics of Harlem (having grown up within the community) he admittedly had a blast. We started at HHT and ended our day at the Lennox Lounge (such a cool spot) and cant wait to go back on our next visit to NYC! Of all the tours we took (three in total) this is the only one we bother to talk about! As far as the February 2010 review, we were a party of four white people from Canada ranging in age from 29 to 70 and left feeling like the HHT was one of the highlights from our visit to NYC.
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A Private User
Harlem Heritage Tours is a must! We chose the General Harlem History Walking Tour. Neal taught us a little about the history of New York and specifically the past and present of Harlem with the future right before our eyes. Harlem consists of beautiful neighborhoods, landmark buildings, and bustling businesses. The history of the homes and businesses as told by our guide, brought Harlem to life. Having such a knowledgeable guide (who was very well known in the neighborhood) made the experience so much better than a tour bus drive by. Our tour ended with a most memorable time at the historic Apollo theater. If you are visiting New York save a day for Neal and Harlem Heritage Tours. Thank you for sharing Harlem with us Neal!