boston-african-american | MA | Find park

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.

Physical Address:

21 Second Avenue

Boston African American National Historical Site

Charlestown, MA 02129

Mailing Address:

21 Second Avenue

Boston African American National Historical Site

Charlestown, MA 02129

contact-details

Phone Number: 6174296760 Voice

Email Address: boaf_mail@nps.gov
Description: Please use this email for general inquiries.

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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 designation:National Historic Site

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

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.

Exceptions:

Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026 - November 26, 2026)

Christmas (December 25, 2026 - December 25, 2026)

New Year's Day (January 1, 2027 - January 1, 2027)

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.

Weather Information:

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.