Africatown Heritage House: Telling the Untold Story
Discover the untold story of the Clotilda and the resilient community of Africatown in Mobile, Alabama.
Africatown Heritage House stands as a beacon of history and resilience in Mobile, Alabama. This community building is home to "Clotilda: The Exhibition," an immersive experience that tells the story of the Clotilda, the last known ship to illegally transport enslaved Africans to the United States. Opened in July 2023, the Heritage House ensures that the legacy of Africatown and its founders is never forgotten. The exhibition meticulously chronicles the journey of the 110 men, women, and children who were forcibly taken from West Africa and brought to America in 1860. Through interpretive text panels, historical documents, and poignant artifacts, including recovered pieces of the Clotilda, visitors embark on a multi-sensory experience that is both educational and deeply emotional. The exhibition has been developed in conjunction with the local community, descendants, and experts. The journey begins with an exploration of West African life and culture before the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors then confront the horrors of the Middle Passage and the arrival of the Clotilda in Mobile. The exhibit highlights the establishment of Africatown and the remarkable lives of its founders. The exterior of the building is painted in the Mobile County Training School's color to honor the enslaved people and their descendants. A memorial garden provides a space for quiet reflection.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, as capacity is limited and timed entry is required.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the exhibition and reflect on the powerful stories presented.
- Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience.
- Respect the solemnity of the exhibition by refraining from photography inside and being mindful of other visitors.
A brief summary to Africatown Heritage House
- 2465 Wimbush St, Mobile, Plateau, Alabama, 36610, US
- +1251-206-5268
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From downtown Mobile, walk to the Mobile Transit bus stop at Government St & Royal St. Take the Route 10 bus towards Mobile Regional Airport. Ride for about 30 minutes and get off at the stop near Wimbush St. Walk north on Wimbush St for about 10 minutes, and you will reach Africatown Heritage House at 2465 Wimbush St. A one-way fare is $1.25.
-
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile and can provide a convenient way to reach Africatown. A ride from downtown Mobile to Africatown typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to specify your destination as the Africatown Heritage House or the address '2465 Wimbush St, Mobile, AL 36610'.
-
Driving
If driving from downtown Mobile, head north on N Royal St, which turns into Africatown Blvd. Continue for approximately 3 miles. As you enter Africatown, look for signs directing you to the Africatown Heritage House. Note that GPS directions may vary, so it's best to follow the main roads and look for signage. Parking is available near the Africatown Heritage House and Robert L. Hope Community Center. Parking is free.
