A yellow wooden house on Beacon Hill

Boston African American National Historic Site

National Historic Site ยท Massachusetts

NPS Photo

๐Ÿ“ StateMassachusetts
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Historic Site
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities4
Official NPS Website โ†’
Boston African American National Historic Site

National Historic Site of the United States

The Boston African American National Historic Site is in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. It includes 15 pre-Civil War structures relating to the history of Boston's 19th-century African-American community, connected by the Black Heritage Trail. Among them are the 1806 African Meeting House, the oldest standing black church in the United States.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Boston African American National Historic Site

Centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill, the African American community of 1800s Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and injustice. These remarkable men and women, together with their allies, were leaders in the Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the early struggle for equal rights and education.

Park Photos

A yellow wooden house on Beacon Hill
A close up image of flowers laid at the feet of the soldiers on the Shaw Memorial
A four-story federal-style brick building with rows of arched windows on each floor.
View from the pulpit at the African Meeting House
The entrance door into a red brick townhouse on Beacon Hill
A large bronze statue showing a man on horseback and soldiers walking alongside him

Activities

Operating Hours

Boston African American National Historic Site

Boston African American National Historic Site rangers offer tours of the Black Heritage Trail seasonally. Please check the park calendar for available tours and programs.

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Closed10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM

Museum of African American History

The Museum of African American History is a partner of Boston African American National Historic Site. They operate the Abiel Smith School and the African Meeting House in conjunction with the National Park Service.

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Closed10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM10:00AM - 4:00PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Boston African American National Historic Site?

Boston African American National Historic Site is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Boston African American National Historic Site?

Popular activities at Boston African American National Historic Site include: Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits.

What is the weather like at Boston African American National Historic Site?

Boston African American National Historic Site is located in downtown Boston which can see extreme cold in the winter months, as well as extreme heat and humidity throughout the summer months. Walking tours may be cancelled during severe heat and/or weather events.

How do I get to Boston African American National Historic Site?

Site administrative offices are located at Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Seasonal ranger programs begin at either the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street, or at the Museum of African American History at 46 Joy Street on Beacon Hill.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Boston African American National Historic Site is located in downtown Boston which can see extreme cold in the winter months, as well as extreme heat and humidity throughout the summer months. Walking tours may be cancelled during severe heat and/or weather events.

Directions

Site administrative offices are located at Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Seasonal ranger programs begin at either the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street, or at the Museum of African American History at 46 Joy Street on Beacon Hill.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates42.3591, -71.0676

Official Resources

NPS Official Website