This guided walking tour explores the history, lives, and labors of Atlanta’s African American women.
Historically, many African American women worked as maids, child nurses, cooks, and laundresses—all while managing their own households. As educational opportunities became available following the Civil War and emancipation, African American women aspired to occupations beyond domestic service. Many sought jobs as educators and nurses. Others with access to advanced education became lawyers and physicians. With increasing economic stability, more African American women became stay-at-home mothers, focusing their efforts on homemaking and children. Many African American women also considered it their duty to serve their communities and churches, and they did so in both professional and volunteer positions. This guided walking tour moves beyond historical stereotypes to explore the history, lives, and labors of Atlanta’s African American women.
This tour starts at the Main Gate (main entrance at Oakland Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive) at 11:00 a.m. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the volunteer desk inside the Visitor Center (374 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, SE) before meeting at the Main Gate.
Spaces are limited, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
This tour starts at 11 AM. Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to your tour time at the Oakland Store, located inside the Visitor Center (374 Martin Luther King Jr Drive SE). Restrooms, snacks, and water are available at the Visitor Center.
Historic Oakland Foundation Members
Historic Oakland Foundation memberships include free tickets for Oakland Tour. Check your membership level before you purchase. Individual members receive one (1) ticket, dual members two (2) tickets, and family memberships four (4) tickets. Members should enter the email address associated with their membership to receive access to free tickets.
Accessibility
Not all areas of Historic Oakland Cemetery are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you need an accessible route when purchasing your ticket by emailing info@oaklandcemetery.com. There is designated parking for vehicles with a disability permit by the Visitors Center. Please be aware that the main entrance of the Cemetery is paved with cobblestones and the East Gate entrance has a step.
ASL interpreter available if given three days (72 hours) notice before the start of the tour.
