Frankly Charleston Black History Tours
Tour operator · Charleston ·

Frankly Charleston Black History Tours

Tour operator · Charleston ·

Insightful tours of Charleston's Black history and lesser-known sites

Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null
Frankly Charleston Black History Tours by null

Information

375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 Get directions

Information

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375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 Get directions

+1 843 860 7451
franklycharleston.com
@squarespace

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Last updated

Dec 9, 2025

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27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

Best Family Vacations in the U.S.

"A family-owned Charleston tour operator that interprets the city's Black history for visitors, offering guided walks that make complex historical narratives accessible to families and groups." - Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning is the special projects and surveys editor at Travel + Leisure, where she has been on staff since 2018. She assigns stories across the magazine, primarily for the Experiences section and feature well. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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Frankly Charleston Black History Tours
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27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

Black-owned Businesses to Support in Charleston, South Carolina

"A family-owned tour business run by Franklin Williams since 2015, offering tours of Charleston's lesser-known neighborhoods and historical sites." - Travel + Leisure Editors Travel + Leisure Editors Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over t

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Frankly Charleston Black History Tours
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20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Locally owned, candid tours centering the “other Charleston,” led by guides rooted in the community. Highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler and praised in recent traveler reviews; during extreme heat they smartly shift to ride‑only formats.

https://www.franklycharleston.com/tours
Best Attractions in Charleston SC (2025)
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Frankly Charleston Black History Tours

Jason R.

Google
Franklin's passion for the history of Charleston is truly contagious. My mother and I travel together throughout the US exploring black history and taking tours of historical sites, and Franklin's tour was the best so far. His main strengths include his deep knowledge of history and ability to ground his analysis in facts from primary sources in real time. We were able to learn a ton on the tour and have a ton of fun while doing it. Bravo!

Pandora B.

Google
My husband and I traveled from Rochester, NY, and we were fortunate enough to be the only participants on the tour on the day we selected. I loved the personal attention, and the information Mr. Franklin shared was nothing short of enlightening. He has a wealth of knowledge and delivers it with a passion, and it truly shows. You leave the tour with a completely new outlook on your surroundings and a deeper appreciation for all things historical. The sense of pride and the knowledge you gain stay with you long after the tour ends—a truly timeless and unforgettable experience.

Kate S.

Google
Franklin is an amazing guide and educator! This tour is so well-researched and packs centuries of impactful stories into a short two hour timeframe - but as Franklin said, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. I learned so much about the real history of Charleston, SC and influential people (like Philip Simmons and Denmark Vesey) who are not always mentioned in history textbooks, much less other historical tours of the city. I loved that Franklin provides book recommendations so that tour participants can continue learning. He is also a supporter of the local public library and that’s truly rad.

Betsy W.

Google
Franklin tells the stories you likely haven’t heard, with all their grandeur and bitterness. By sharing in the most engaging way his incredibly well-researched knowledge and narratives about Charleston’s real history, he is touching, opening, and impacting hearts and minds. Franklin is a force of change, creating a ripple effect of awakening and facing hard truths. Be Franklin’s guest and continue to spread the truth, Frankly Speaking! A ‘must do’ while in Charleston!

Kailyn S.

Google
This guided tour was a highlight of my first time visit to Charleston. Franklin was an excellent guide and we really did learn a lot of necessary and touching information. A must for any tourist who wants to learn THE story!

Sharon J.

Google
The Frankly Charleston tour was an amazing, experience for my husband and I. Mr. Franklin, the tour guide (storyteller) shared the true American history everyone should hear, learn, and see. Visually seeing our past that is whitewashed in history books and classrooms had a profound effect on us. Mr. Franklin shared information from many years of learning, readings, and research. He encouraged us to ask questions so that we can get the most out of the experience and not just an ordinary tour. This is our history no matter the race. We cannot deny or change history, but we can learn to get better moving forward to make this country great. Knowledge is power when we embrace and learn the truth about our past. Because of our experience, we are looking forward to returning to Charleston, SC to learn more about the city and our history.

Juan J.

Google
Very interesting and informative tour! Franklin shares the real facts about how history actually unfolded in Charleston. You can tell he’s done extensive research. He’s also a great person and guide. Thanks again for everything, Franklin! **100% recommended**

Kristen B.

Google
Excellent, thought-provoking, and informative tour of the real history of Charleston. Franklin is a wonderful guide. I learned a great deal and felt inspired to read and learn more on my own. Highly recommend.
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Kristen N.

Yelp
Excellent, thought-provoking, and informative tour. Franklin brings so much passion to teaching the real history of Charleston. I learned a great deal and am inspired to learn more. Highly recommend!
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John G.

Yelp
Best Historic tour in Town! My family and I were in town to celebrate my Mom's 89th Birthday as a family and this Tour was the one of highlights of our entire trip! Well worth it! Our Tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and entertaining. It was like fun road-trip with one of your favorite family Uncles/Elders narrating the significance of the experience ...making you laugh out loud and think deeply at the same time...Do not miss this!!
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Deborah L.

Yelp
My colleagues and I were attending a conference in So. Carolina and I wanted to make the most of our stay in Charleston. The choice of going on a tour of the city with Frankly Charleston was an excellent decision. Mr. Williams is not only knowledgeable, but entertaining and a scholarly gentleman who has found a phenomenal way of honoring our ancestors. I would HIGHLY recommend this company if you're in the area and want to learn about Charleston, South Carolina. Bravo, Mr. Williams...BRAVO!!!!
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E P.

Yelp
What a breath of fresh air this tour was. It was so educational and informative. I would have paid for a class at college if Frank was the professor. He made it interactive and open ended because he was not only the teacher, he was open to discussion or added information from us. It was a wonderful time. It went by soo quickly because it was entertaining as well. This is the Best tour I have ever been on in my 40 years of traveling around the world. Please go, it is more than worth it. Please don't be afraid of the 2 hour walking tour because it is roughly 2,000 to 3,000 which is doable for most people. Thank you soo much Frank.

Crissy P.

Yelp
A wonderful choice to hear from a Charleston resident who is knowledgeable and interested in sharing history about his city...all the history not just fables or whitewashed versions of this beautiful place! Frank was welcoming and witty and we had an amazing couple hours with him.
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Michelle F.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing. Mr Franklin is knowledgable and a great storyteller. He taught an alternate history but what I love about him is he told us not to take his word for anything rather to verify what he said ourselves. I highly recommend this tour.
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Paige P.

Yelp
We found Franklin to be incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the historical facts of this beautiful city with such a dark history. Thanks for a wonderful tour!

Linda V.

Yelp
This is a fantastic tour. It tells the true story of what happened to enslaved people. And Frank is a great tour guide.
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Chris M.

Yelp
The Frankly Charleston tour was *the* reason I wanted to get to Charleston & Franklin did not disappoint! My in laws can trace their family to Charleston & the information we got while on this tour felt like we were learning our family's history. Franklin is personable, knowledgeable & an invaluable historian. I'm so thankful that he is not only willing to share the information that he has researched and learned but that he includes everyone, listens to and answers questions, and when he doesn't know the answer he tells you that too - along with resources to review on your own. The Frankly Charleston tour set the bar far above any other tour I've taken. Now let's hope that Franklin puts his knowledge in writing so that we can continue learning about the Other Charleston even when we are 100s of miles away. This is the #1 thing to do that I will share with anyone I know who is visiting Charleston!
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J K.

Yelp
Thank you for an incredible tour and history lesson today! I'm so glad we started our time in this city with Franklin - we now have an historical lens to view this city. We learned so much and sparked us to want to understand and learn even more! Thank you Jennifer and Chris

Schuyler W.

Yelp
My husband and I selected Frankly Charleston because we were interested in learning the stories and observing areas of Charleston that are not included by the other touring companies. To say that we learned a lot about the roles of blacks, freed and enslaved would be an understatement. We were lucky to tour with the owner, whose name is Franklin. If there was ever a walking and talking history book, it would be this gentleman. My husband and I were really impressed with the amount of information we were given. We listened to stories and saw areas of Charleston that was not provided by the other touring companies. For anyone looking to get an all inclusive (the good and the bad or the pretty and the ugly) this is the touring company for you. Sign up with Frankly Charleston. You will not be disappointed.

Torrey V.

Yelp
Take this tour if you want a deep dive into the African-American contribution to Charleston. Franklin was extremely knowledgeable and personable. We highly recommend this tour!!

Larry H.

Yelp
Frank provides the missing context from most Charleston tours Just overhearing guides on the streets from other tours, I hear no new thinking about a cruel system that created the wealth viewed from the streets
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Rowland B.

Yelp
We took this walking tour in May 2023. It was outstanding...the owner Frank Williams does a great job telling the story of how the slaves were the backbone of the cities growth and development and showed remnants of their work. One of the highlights of our trip! Highly recommend to anyone who wants to get a deep understanding of history and evolution of Charleston!

Danny B.

Yelp
Franklin was a great story teller. I took my grandparents on this tour after taking an "old" carriage tour where it missed half the history of Charleston! Frankly Charleston made sure we understood the real history of Charles Town without sugar coating. It really sparked my grandpa's thoughts & pushed him to rethink what he thought he knew about the town. I would highly recommend for those looking for an honest, thought provoking tour of Charleston.
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Arianne T.

Yelp
We took Frank's Black history tour and loved it. He's so knowledgeable and such a great story teller. If you're looking for a tour of the buildings and well known historical sights, this is not it. That's a white history tour. This is a tour of the black PEOPLE who built Charleston, not the buildings they built (although he will point out a few significant to black history if you don't get him off on a tangent!). It's a tour done to very honestly yet tactfully explain how different the history of Charleston from the 17th-21st century has been for people of color. I highly recommend it.
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Jacob S.

Yelp
Charleston has a very carefully curated history from the 1600s to now. Frankly Charleston Tours peels back the veneer of the town and tells you THE STORY of Charleston. Franklin is a certified (and passionate) guide who takes you much deeper than the touristy aspects of the town. Franklin ensures you can properly identify, understand, and appreciate the messages from the past. This tour allows you to fully embrace the whole of Charleston. Your Charleston experience is not complete if you pass on this opportunity.
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Dugan M.

Yelp
Franklin was a thoroughly knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. His super power is his ability to generate thoughtful inquiry. Other guides have left me feeling dazzled and full of new information. Franklin left me with a plethora of leads on historical stories that I am excited to look up on my own, as well as an understanding of African symbology I never noticed, but am finding around the city now that I know to look for it. I appreciated that this tour took us through historic Wraggborough, so we were seeing landmarks that many other tours that stick to the French Quarter don't visit. I am thankful for the greater appreciation I now have for the foundational contributions from Black Charlestonians who built this city over hundreds of years.

Korey F.

Yelp
Having spent a lot of time in Charleston and taken traditional tours of the city before, we wanted to know the other side of the story, and Franklin delivered that and more. He is a passionate historian and storyteller who connects black and white worlds from the inception of the city and slavery up to the present--and into the future. Come with open minds and hearts--and don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether you are a first-time visitor or have been to Charleston before, you are guaranteed to come away with a richer understanding of the city's history and culture.

Cathy R.

Yelp
Thank you Mr. Williams for teaching me about our history in the creation of Charleston, SC. It's easy to find tours covering architectural beauty and wealth of the city. I've taken them. If you're interested in the black history of Charleston, take this tour. Come ready to learn, and ask questions. After this tour you won't look at the city the same way again.

Sefora E.

Yelp
The Frankly Charleston tour was the best part of our trip! The guide was honest and respectful about the history of the city. If you want to know the truth about Charleston while being entertained, I recommend checking out Frankly Charleston.

Jen F.

Yelp
We are so glad we chose this tour and suggest you do the same. Franklin was warm, thoughtful and engaging while he delivered an honest and important perspective about his city. We have been thinking about his insights and the contributions of African Americans to Charleston (and the US) since we left him hours ago. I believe that one cannot claim to love this country if one cannot face its history. If we face our history, we can attempt to repair and restore it, but honesty is necessary. We enjoyed our time with Franklin and appreciate his knowledge, laugh and openness to all questions (including where to go for lunch - Hannibal's). Thank you!

M E.

Yelp
Black history immersion. Franklin is a terrific guide- deeply knowledgeable and able to relate past and current history. Exactly what I was hoping to find! An unvarnished look at a painful and ongoing story. On the bright side he shares tips for Local Soul Food, other attractions and references.

E. L.

Yelp
My daughter and I wanted to learn more about 'the real' history of Charleston. While the city seemingly has dedicated itself to 'not talking about its true history, offering lots of 'nice' tours', Franklin IS talking about the real story of Charleston! Franklin's tour was the highlight of our visit to Charleston. In the days before Franklin's tour, I felt like we were on a movie set as we walked through the waterfront, the marketplace and King Street. What a relief to find Franklin and spend 2+ hours learning what actually went on, who was responsible for the growth of the colony, and who we have to thank for being able to walk through the beautiful neighborhoods and areas. Thank you, Franklin, for so eloquently speaking the truth and sharing your vast knowledge with us. City of Charleston, you should put Franklin front and center to educate us all, so we make strides toward history not repeating itself.
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Char K.

Yelp
Great tour! The tour I originally planned to sign up for was full, and then I came across this one, and I'm SO GLAD I DID. I learned so much about Charleston's history, or "the other Charleston." The tour guide, Frank, knows so much about the city, and he tells it all in such a compelling way. Frank is a great host, very friendly, and funny. You get to see a lot of the city from the van, the typical tourist parts and more residential parts that you wouldn't normally go to. He also tells you about how the neighborhoods have evolved over the years and what's in development, the good and bad of it. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Frank.
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Barbara B.

Yelp
I have lived in Charleston for almost 40 years and this tour opened my eyes to a Charleston I have never seen. This is not your ordinary tour if the beautiful South of Broad Homes. It is the untold and too often ignored history of enslaved and free African Americans artisans who lived in Charleston and made it the beautiful city that it is today. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad and always attuned to telling the truth, Franklin is a knowledgeable and fascinating tour guide. This is a tour I highly recommend and one I will bring my friends to. Do yourself a favor and book this one.
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Myrna B.

Yelp
I highly recommend Frank Williams of Frankly Charleston if you want to know the real Black history of Charleston. Thank you Frank for a wonderful experience.

Maria O.

Yelp
I am so glad we got to go on a tour with Mr. Franklin Williams. He's so knowledgeable and passionate about the unvarnished history of Charleston, and he's great at sharing that with others. I highly recommend taking one of his tours...You'll come away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of this incredible city, I promise!

Lori L.

Yelp
We are very thankful we took the Frankly Charleston tour. Full of knowledge and stories .... so much information!

Camila D.

Yelp
This tour is fantastic - fascinating information, really compellingly told. It's the perfect complement to any other historical tour, house tour or plantation visit you might have planned for Charleston. The things you will learn on Frankly Charleston, about Charleston's black history, will give you fresh insights (and questions) everywhere else you go. Black people outnumbered white people for the vast majority of Charleston's history - so black history is the perfect lens for understanding the city's complexity. Highly, highly recommended.

Janette H.

Yelp
On my recent visit to Charleston from Los Angeles, CA. we had the pleasure of taking the black history tour from Frankly Charleston Tours. Franklyn and his wife Sylvia were exceptional tour guides on the historical past of Charleston. I would highly recommend to every person to take the black history tour with these fine people. Franklyn gave us his best with an honest look through history and that knowledge was powerful! Thank you, Franklyn and Sylvia.