Tour Information

Click here for a PDF of our tour guidelines.

You may explore our gallery spaces on your own, or schedule a guided tour, free of charge, for your group.

Our Galleries

The Restored Classroom gives visitors a glimpse as to what the Gregory School looked like at its inception in 1926.

The Freedmen's Town Gallery chronicles a crucial period in Houston African American history when this community was established following Emancipation. The exhibit incorporates a wide variety of stories, using artifacts and photographs, proving the power of a people's commitment to one another by building and sustaining family, communities of worship, and social organizations which built this thriving, self-contained neighborhood.

The African Americans in Houston Gallery honors generations of people whose cultural heritage played a significant role in what the city of Houston is today and what it will be tomorrow. Integral to the exhibit are photographs and artifacts representing the principles that are universal to the development of communities.

Special Exhibits present new and exciting exhibits featuring themes in African American history, culture or the arts. Visit our Exhibits page for more information.

Self-Guided Tours with Introductions

• Are always welcome during regular business hours.
• Staff will provide an introduction to the library and Restored Classroom prior to self-guided tour.
• If you are bringing a larger group (10 people or more) for a self-guided tour, please call or send us an email so we can expect you. There may be other scheduled guided tours happening during the time you plan to visit, and informing us ahead of time can help ease crowding in the galleries.

Guided Tour Policies

• Offered during these times:
  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 10:30am – 12noon and 1:30pm – 3pm
  • Thursdays: 1pm – 3pm and 3pm – 5pm
• Require a minimum of 10 persons and a maximum of 50 persons
• Large tours will be divided into groups.
• Length of tour: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Tour groups will check in at the Welcome Desk in the lobby
• Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the time of your tour
• Please notify us if you are running late. A late arrival of 30 minutes or more may result in a cancellation or a self-guided tour.
• Tour group members will maintain low to moderate voice levels in order to avoid disturbing other customers.
• Cell phones should be silenced prior to start of tour
• Food and/or drink may not be consumed during any part of the tour.
• Artwork and collections may not be touched or photographed. Photographs are allowed outside the building and in the lobby.

To book a tour:

Please complete the Tour Request Form linked at the top of this page. You will need the following information:

• The full name, daytime phone number, and email address of the group and tour coordinator
• The number of tour attendees
  • One adult chaperone (18 years or older) must be assigned to every 10 children
• 3 suggested times and dates for your tour

Disclaimer:

While we are happy to process your request, please note that all requests are not guaranteed for approval. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance of the date you wish to visit and include alternate dates and starting times to expedite processing.