Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: African American Heritage Trail Of Martha’s Vineyard

The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard reached two important milestones in 2018. The Trail and its interactive documenting of the rich history of African Americans on Martha’s Vineyard turned 20, and the group just dedicated and added its 30th historic site to the Heritage Trail.

Started by two friends, Carrie Camillo Tankard and Elaine Cawley Weintraub, the duo was frustrated with how little of the history was being taught or talked about in the schools.

Discovering The Trail

Indeed, many locals and visitors alike, are only just beginning to discover the African American Heritage Trail. But discover it, they are. The tours, with interesting stops across Martha’s Vineyard, have become a hot ticket. Each site has its own custom plaque, detailing some of the historical significance.

Some of the names and places are well known, others less so, but all have unique and significant stories. One of the stops is the Villa Rosa property in Oak Bluffs. During the 1960’s, it became known as the summer white house of the civil rights movement. It hosted a who’s who of the times, and is dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a frequent visitor and friend of the owner.

Guides To The Trail

You can follow African American Heritage Trail on your own with a map. But to fully experience the rich history and community context, there’s nothing like the narrative and storytelling, that the excellent Heritage Trail guides provide. Our own Guinevere Cramer joined Elaine and Carrie for a few stops along the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard.

You will be fascinated, educated, and enlightened. The African American Heritage Trail belongs on everyone’s Vineyard Bucket List.

Tours are scheduled regularly throughout the summer season but available other times as well. Check the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard website for details. You can also find the African American Heritage Trail on Facebook.

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List

The Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is our ongoing curated video collection of the best Martha’s Vineyard vacation experiences and first-hand travel adventures. From exploring the island by tall ship or biplane to touring its lighthouses to finding the best beach walks, sunsets, and farm to table adventures, there’s a lot to discover. Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List Collection.