Meet Jack Staines, a "Black Jack" in Historic Old Portsmouth
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Modify your booking anytime
No extra fees
Best price guarantee
No hidden fees
Explore Portsmouths Black maritime history and heritage
Discover stories of Black mariners seeking independence
Learn about Jack Staines and Ona Judge
Walk along Portsmouths historic waterfront and streets
Black Mariners and the Search for Independence
Step onto Portsmouths waterfront and discover the stories of Black mariners who found opportunity and uncertainty on the open sea. This 90 minute walking tour led by Sankofa Scholar and Tour Guide Garrett Walker explores the experiences of Black men who worked at sea between 1740 and 1865.
Learn how seafaring offered one of the few paths toward independence for Black men during this period. Some were forced to work aboard ships while others earned wages traveled widely and gained a measure of freedom beyond the restrictions of life on land.
Discover the story of Jack Staines a Black mariner whose life connected with one of Americas remarkable freedom stories. Learn about his wife Ona Judge Staines who escaped enslavement by George and Martha Washington and later built a life connected to Portsmouth.
Walk through Portsmouths historic streets and waterfront while exploring the dangers opportunities and challenges faced by Black mariners. Hear stories of risk resilience and the search for independence in a world that offered few safe harbors. The tour leaves from the office at 2 pm and guests should arrive 10 minutes before departure. Tours operate rain or shine.
Black Mariners and the Search for Independence
Step onto Portsmouths waterfront and discover the stories of Black mariners who found opportunity and uncertainty on the open sea. This 90 minute walking tour led by Sankofa Scholar and Tour Guide Garrett Walker explores the experiences of Black men who worked at sea between 1740 and 1865.
Learn how seafaring offered one of the few paths toward independence for Black men during this period. Some were forced to work aboard ships while others earned wages traveled widely and gained a measure of freedom beyond the restrictions of life on land.
Discover the story of Jack Staines a Black mariner whose life connected with one of Americas remarkable freedom stories. Learn about his wife Ona Judge Staines who escaped enslavement by George and Martha Washington and later built a life connected to Portsmouth.
Walk through Portsmouths historic streets and waterfront while exploring the dangers opportunities and challenges faced by Black mariners. Hear stories of risk resilience and the search for independence in a world that offered few safe harbors. The tour leaves from the office at 2 pm and guests should arrive 10 minutes before departure. Tours operate rain or shine.
- Walking tour
- Tour guide
- Gratuities
$ 10
Contact us 24x7
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select Date & Time
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Reserve with peace of mind —
Enjoy unlimited changes and full refund options.
Pickup location
Address will appear once location is loaded.
Click "Show Pickups on Map" to open the interactive map and search for your hotel or nearby location.
Click any purple pickup marker to view its connection to your searched location and find the best pickup point.
Activity Provider: Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire