Private tour in Philadelphia Keshler T

Philly 103: The Other Philadelphia (Black and Indigenous History)

5.0

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Keshler T.

5.0

Guide rating

81

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

There is a lot more to Philadelphia than Ben Franklin, cheesesteaks, and the Liberty Bell. Philly is a living history lesson filled with stories, conflicts, food, and defiance. IT'S THE BEGINNING OF AMERICA. The Declaration of Independence from the Crown. The first capital of the United States. The first protest for the abolition of slavery. Home of the first to knock out Mohammad Ali. That is what exists in the city of Brotherly Love. If coming to Philadelphia, whether it is a long layover, weekend getaway, or your a Sunday Historian; booking a tour with me is not simply learning a few facts but your first step in becoming a Philadelphian. This is your introduction. From Betsy Ross' House to the churches of Fishtown and onward to the Calle de Oro. You will see it all. I look forward to being your guide. Aww Right! (Philadelphian for Ok. ) Member Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides Member Historical Society of Pennsylvania Contributing Writer with Hidden Philadelphia

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Keshler T.

Overview of your Philadelphia tour

This tour focuses on important moments in the city's history and juxtapose it to the lives of various ethnicities. Beginning with a brief glimpse at the lives of the original inhabitants of Coaquannock (Philadelphia) followed up with the creation of William Penn's "green country towne". Jumping forward two years after Penn's arrival, we explore both slavery and it's aftermath both in and around Philadelphia. As we approach modern times we explore the circumstances and roles other ethnic communities had in creating Philadelphia. Some of the topics covered: Lenape (Delaware) Tribe - William Penn/Quakers - First Slaves - Black Founding Fathers (Liberty Bell/Independence Mall photo stop) - Society Hill/Washington Square - Chinatown - Before and After Civil War - Industrial Revolution/Great Migration - Civil Rights/Race Riots - Current Events

Recent Reviews

Victoria P.United States
December 2025

Absolutely exceptional experience despite winter temperatures! Keshler is clearly passionate about history, extraordinarily knowledgeable and was easy to communicate with in preparation for the tour. Everyone found the experience tremendously informative and enjoyable. He showed up with alacrity, was punctual and beyond generous with his time. As someone who has lived in Philadelphia for 10 years over my lifetime, I acquired more historical knowledge on this tour than I did over my time living there and taking multiple out of town visitors on sightseeing tours in the past. Would highly recommend if you are looking to take in some history during your time in Philadelphia!

Diane O.
March 2025

Keshler is an absolutely fantastic guide. He is not only full of dates and names and historical facts, but he grasps the connections that they each have to each other. With charm and a great sense of humor, he weaves the buildings and memorials into the story of us. I would love to return to Philadelphia and simply spend an entire day with him.

Robert T.United States
December 2024

Great city to visit with LOTS of interesting history and I learned a lot of new facts about our countrys past. Our guide, Keshler, was EXREMELY prepared and VERY knowledgable. If you book a tour, be sure you select him We highly recommend him.

Stephen M.United States
March 2024

Kessler has an encyclopedic knowledge of Philadelphia's history, particularly from the perspective of the "losers" in history be it the Native Americans, the British, the Blacks, the Italians or the Jews. He will quickly dispel the history you remember from middle school and replace it with the real story- even if it makes you uncomfortable! Apparently the Founding Fathers were NOT flawless Demi-Gods!

Janet M.United States
September 2023

We hired Keshler to be our guide for our work team retreat. As we work with social justice issues and center racial equity in our work, we wanted a tour that would do the same - help us understand Philly from the perspectives of the people whose stories are often not told. We appreciated his deep knowledge, sarcastic humor, and his analysis of Philly race and politics. He was generous with his time and really catered to our group.

Shaun L.United States
April 2023

Outstanding!!!

Your Philadelphia tour itinerary

-Starting in Penn's Landing we will trace the history of the city while making stops at: George Washington's Presidential Home, Carpenter's Hall, Society Hill, Chinatown, Old Southwark, Penn's Landing, and wrap up at Reading Terminal for lunch.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This tour is a mix of walking and mass transit. Private transportation is not included. For those who have difficulty walking, large groups, or individuals that would rather experience the tour by vehicle i can assist in hiring a private car, van, or coach. Please inquire for details.

What's included
Other: Three hour private guided tour around Olde City, Society Hill, Center City, Chinatown, and Southwark.
What's not included
Other: Private transportation is available for larger groups. Please contact me for details and pricing.
Meeting location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
457961
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Philadelphia best suited for?

This private tour is ideal for travellers interested in exploring the rich history of Philadelphia's minority and ethnic communities. It's perfect for those who want to delve into the city's Black and Indigenous history, as well as the roles various ethnic communities have played in shaping Philadelphia. If you're looking to connect with a local expert like Keshler T. for deeper insights, this tour is a great choice.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Philadelphia be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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