Boston African American National Historic Site

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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.
View from the gallery overlooking the
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.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Historic Site
Park State / Territory MembershipMassachusetts
Current Alerts0
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do12

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

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.

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Massachusetts. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

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.

Friday10:00AM - 4:00PM
MondayClosed
Saturday10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday10:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday10:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
Wednesday10:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Guided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum 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

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address21 Second Avenue, Boston African American National Historical Site, Charlestown, MA, 02129
Phone6174296760
Emailboaf_mail@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

African American HeritageEnslavementLGB American HeritageMilitaryUS ArmyMonuments and MemorialsReligion and SpiritualityChurchesSocial MovementsAbolition MovementWars and ConflictsCivil WarClimate Change

Things To Do

Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall

Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall

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

Visit Historic Faneuil Hall

Visit Historic Faneuil Hall

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

Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

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…

History at Sunset Walking Tours

History at Sunset Walking Tours

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

National Parks of Boston: Find Your Park Anywhere

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 Boston with a Free Audio Tour

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

More Things to Do

Additional activities and experiences from the Nati