• The pulpit, floor, and pews in the African Meeting House, the center of the free African American community in antebellum Boston and birthplace of the Abolition Movement.

    Boston African American

    National Historic Site Massachusetts

Freedom is a Constant Struggle

Centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill, the free African American community of 19th century Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and injustice. These remarkable men and women, together with their white allies, were leaders in Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the early struggle for equal rights and education.

Features

  • Sumner and Longfellow

    The Tender Heart and Brave on May 16th

    Join us at the Massachusetts Historical Society on May 16th for this unique look at abolitionists Charles Sumner and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

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  • The African Meeting House

    Open House May 23rd!!!

    Please join Superintendent Cassius Cash for an evening of fun and visit the new Freedom Rising Exhibit at the Museum of African American History.

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  • Ranger Inyagwa speaking to young people at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial during the fall.

    Information on the Black Heritage Trail®

    Learn more about the Black Heritage Trail® tour. Contact us at (617) 742-5415.

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  • The Museum of African American History's African Meeting House, 46 Joy Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

    Information on the African Meeting House

    Visit the newly restored African Meeting House, a part of the Museum of African American History's collection of historic sites.

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  • Social Network Icon

    Join Our Social Networks

    Visit our Fan Page on Facebook. Click the "Like" button at the top of our page to receive updates on your Facebook wall. Follow @BOAFNPS on Twitter.

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  • Hear about the Shaw Memorial on our new podcasts.

    Listen To Our New Podcasts!

    Learn about the Shaw Memorial and other sites and tours on our new podcasts.

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Did You Know?

African Meeting House, Boston

The African Meeting House in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood is the oldest standing black church structure in the country, with the first service on December 6th, 1806.