Boston African American National Historic Site

View from the pulpit at the African Meeting House, which has rows of benches and an upper gallery

Many notable Black and White leaders spoke at the African Meeting House, including Maria Stewart, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison.

A large bronze statue showing a man on horseback and soldiers walking alongside him

The Robert Gould Shaw/Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial honors one of the first Black regiments from the North to fight in the U.S. Civil War.

A sign hanging from a lightpost that is attached to a brick wall.

The Museum of African American History stewards the African Meeting House and the Abiel Smith School.

Close up of a plaque on the brick facade of the Hayden House, which has green shutters

Lewis and Harriet Hayden's home served as an active center for the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement in Boston.

The African Meeting House served as the religious, educational, and political center of Boston's Black community in the 1800s.

Close up of a bronze relief of a young soldier carrying a rifle.

Bostonians commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create the memorial to the 54th Regiment and its colonel. Dedicated in 1897, the memorial has served as a powerful reminder of sacrifice for the cause of liberty.

Small gray wood building in between two brick buildings

Built in 1787, this structure is one of the oldest standing homes on Beacon Hill. George Middleton (1735-1815) served in the American Revolution and became a Prince Hall Mason.

A two-story brick building on the corner of a street.

Opened in 1835, the Abiel Smith School served as a segregated public school for Black American students in Boston.

Photos: National Park Service

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.

Quick Facts

State Massachusetts

Designation National Historic Site

State Code MA

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…

Location & Map

Boston African American National Historic Site is located in Massachusetts.

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Operating Hours

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.

Wednesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Monday Closed

Thursday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Sunday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Friday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Getting There

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 21 Second Avenue, Charlestown, MA, 02129

Phone 6174296760

Email boaf_mail@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

African American Heritage Enslavement LGB American Heritage Military US Army Monuments and Memorials Religion and Spirituality Churches Social Movements Abolition Movement Wars and Conflicts Civil War Climate Change

Things To Do

History at Sunset Walking Tours

Join a Park Ranger for a special guided tour exploring Boston's rich history as a city of revolutions.

Join a Park Ranger for a special guided tour.

Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall

Join National Parks of Boston Rangers as we recreate historic town meetings.

Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston on a Black Heritage Trail® Tour to learn about the…

Visit Historic Faneuil Hall

Visit the Historic Cradle of Liberty's marketplace, Visitor Center, Great Hall, and Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

National Parks of Boston: Find Your Park Anywhere

Find your park anywhere, from your home to your backyard, with activities spanning the National Parks of Boston.

Explore Boston with a Free Audio Tour

Explore Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, and Charlestown with a self-guided audio tour!

Visitor Centers

Faneuil Hall Visitor Center

Located in the heart of downtown on the market floor of the historic 1742 building, the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center is the main visitor center…

Hours: Located in the heart of downtown on the market level of the historic 1742 building, the Faneuil Hall visitor center is open year-round.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

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