Maryland

​ANNAPOLIS, MD

Prior to the Civil War, Maryland is recorded as having more free African-American citizens than any other state, approximate 43%. During the same time, approximately 400 of the city's 4000 inhabitants in Annapolis were free blacks and, forty of them owned real property. The legacy of African American families survives in written records and in cultural resources throughout the city's historic district and can be viewed in maps, at archaeological sites, and in the surviving buildings.

Paperdoll Journal is the premiere provider of guided genealogy quests.

A Private, Guided Genealogy Quest featuring African American History and Culture in Annapolis, Maryland

In the 1700's, Annapolis led the political, cultural and economic climates in the Colonies.  Annapolis is a microcosm of Maryland African-American heritage. Annapolis’ African Americans have long played a vital role in shaping the state capital. Your expert genealogy quest guide will lead you or your group in discovering the stories of African-Americans who shaped Annapolis and America by exploring a historically rich collection of sites. You’ll be provided with historical context, biographical information on Annapolis, MD African American history, archives, and much more. Sometimes it is better to focus your attention on a specific ancestor or time period and gain a much deeper understanding of the particular resources, such as visiting the Maryland State Archives. Experience some of the local artisan shops or dine in one of the restaurants that serve fresh food grown right there, offering the perfect opportunity to slow down, absorb your experience and enjoy a meal. This private genealogy quest is catered entirely to you, meaning you can set the pace and decide on which history you’d like to focus.

What to Expect on Your guided Genealogy Quest

You will receive an email with details on where to start your self-guided quest. The quest will be given in Paperdoll Travel's  signature conversational, of-the-moment style, which is guaranteed to deliver education, context and excitement in unexpected ways. Your self-guided quest will include necessary entry passes, so all you have to do is head right in. During the quest you may explore:

• Banneker Douglass Museum
• Maryland State Archives
• Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial
• Thurgood Marshall Memorial 
• Maryland State House
• UNESCO Site of Memory associated with the Slave Route Project

Quest Hours
​Tuesday - Friday 
9:00am - 4:00pm

UNESCO Middle Passage port of entry, a place where children, women, and men in bondage first placed their feet after leaving the continent of Africa.