Roger’s recall of historical details is unmatched. He makes each event come alive as if people from the past could step right on the bus and share that experience with you. With Pennyman Tours, we don’t just visit historic destinations; we blend the viewing of docudramas and documentaries to help build a foundation for what the guests will experience on tour. Blending media with historical discussions isn’t just about technique; it’s about reaching the depth of human emotions by capturing the historical experience in ways that make you stop and think twice about people’s struggles for freedom. Roger’s historical knowledge will help you rethink the creative boundaries of the human spirit's desire to be free. Who would have thought that buses could be used to destroy segregation in Montgomery or open interstate travel for all of us with the Freedom Rides? Today, our tour buses are being used to educate people about America’s history. That’s the beauty of group travel: It has the ability to bring together people from all walks of life, breaking down barriers and encouraging open-mindedness. Group travel offers lifelong friends, access to hidden gems, and shared experiences. You will see on a Pennyman Tour that some of the nation's most powerful history can come from the most unexpected places. Places waiting to be discovered by you, on tour with us, Pennyman Tours…
I started in 1991, planning and operating tours for student groups in Atlanta. My first group that I planned a multi-day tour for was from Toronto, Canada. They asked me to plan a Civil Rights Tour for their students.
Because of Atlanta’s close proximity to Alabama, the Tour was a natural historical connection that I could easily make. Even though I didn’t have very much experience with planning a multi-day tour, I had been touring locally in Atlanta for about a year before the Toronto group came to Atlanta.
I was a history major at Kent State University, and I also worked as the marketing director for the APEX Museum in Atlanta.
I knew Civil Rights history, and I knew the historical connections between the cities of Atlanta, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma. I knew how to conduct a local tour, but I did not have experience in planning and operating multi-day trips.
The group loved what I planned, and they understood the historical information that I laid out for the tour. I also included some related cultural stops and some very good food. The restaurants I selected were reflective of the Civil Rights Movement. They were so happy with the tour that they came back with another group of students a year later.
There was a beautiful chaperone who came on the first trip. I noticed her, and I was very pleased to see her again on the second trip. On this second trip, we got a chance to know each other, and that’s how we started our tour company. And we’ve been married now for thirty-one years.
That’s the beauty of group travel: It has the ability to bring together people from all walks of life, breaking down barriers and encouraging open-mindedness. Group travel offers lifelong friends, access to hidden gems, and shared experiences. A realistic view and understanding of historical events that occurred throughout the United States, events that continue to shape our lives today.
Using motorcoach buses as an informal classroom, Pennyman Tours has transformed ordinary overlooked stories into epic moments in history that are played out in every city we travel to. We help you to connect the historical dots so you can make sense of our ever-changing country.
After working with student groups for thirty-plus years, we feel it's time to pivot and create tours for adult groups that will appreciate learning history, enjoy eating good food, listening to good music, resting comfortably, clean accommodations, and traveling on a luxury motorcoach for transportation.
We are seniors, too, so we can relate to a slower pace and some great storytelling. More than your average bus tour experience, you will be traveling with historians who are eager to share their knowledge with you. You will also have the opportunity to experience real-life customer service.
We specialize in multigenerational tours focusing on the American experience and the deep cross-cultural connections between all of us.
Places waiting to be discovered by you, join us on a lifetime tour experience.