Port of Entry: Boys and Girls for Sale

The Untold Stories of Enslaved Children in Portsmouth

Step into Portsmouths historic streets and explore the stories of enslaved children whose experiences remain an important part of the citys history. This 90 minute walking tour led by Sankofa Scholar Nur Shoop brings attention to the lives of boys and girls whose childhoods were shaped by slavery. Their stories reveal a difficult chapter of the past while encouraging visitors to think about freedom humanity and responsibility.

Walk through areas connected to the Atlantic Slave Trade including Portsmouths waterfront wharves and auction sites. Discover how young children were bought and sold and forced into labor despite their age. Learn how enslaved children were made to serve in private homes on docks and aboard ships, experiencing lives shaped by exploitation and uncertainty.

The tour explores the human stories behind the history rather than focusing only on dates and events. Hear accounts that reveal how young these children were when their lives were changed by slavery. The stories provide a closer understanding of the people affected by the trade and the lasting impact of these experiences on communities.

A distinctive part of the experience is the opportunity to hear these stories from high school Sankofa Scholars. The young guides bring the voices and experiences of children from the past into a modern setting, creating a meaningful connection between generations. Through their storytelling, the tour encourages reflection on the meaning of freedom and the responsibilities of remembering difficult history. The tour leaves from the office at 2 pm, and guests should arrive 10 minutes before departure. Tours operate rain or shine.