Plan Your Visit

Profile view of an African American soldier from the Shaw Memorial, cast in bronze.

NPS Photo

 

Welcome to Boston African American National Historic Site

Join us for a walk along the Black Heritage Trail®, which explores the history of Boston's Black community in the 1800s. Learn about the Underground Railroad, the abolition movement, and the early struggles for civil rights.

 

 
Ranger standing in front of the Lewis Hayden house explaining his relevance to visitors

Black Heritage Trail®

The Black Heritage Trail® is an approximately 1.5 mile long trail linking sites that explore the trials of the free black community which inhabited the North Slope of Beacon Hill from the late 1700s through the 1800s. Self guided tours can be taken anytime or join us for a ranger guided tour in the summer and fall.

No feesThere is no fee to explore the Black Heritage Trail®.

Ranger Programs In-person ranger-led tours are available for the summer season. Tours have ended for the 2023 summer season. Check back in the spring for the 2024 season tour schedule. For a self-guided Black Heritage Trail® Tour, download the NPS App. All operating hours and seasons.

Accessibility The trail has varied levels of accessibility, with narrow sidewalks and no curb-cutouts in some areas. Visitors are advised to proceed with caution over uneven sidewalks and to take caution when crossing streets.

For information on programs offered by the National Parks of Boston, please visit our calendar.

 
 
Sign pointing to the entrance of the Museum of African American History

Museum of African American History

46 Joy Street, Boston, MA

The Museum of African American History, located in the former Abiel Smith School, allows visitors to further enrich their understanding of Boston's Black History. We work in partnership with the museum to provide historic talks and programs in the African Meeting House year-round.

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All operating hours and seasons.

FeesThere is an admission fee to visit this site.

AccessibilityThe African Meeting House is accessible via a ramp and elevator. The Abiel Smith School is currently inaccessible.

Website For information on scheduling a time visit to the Museum of African American History sites, please visit their website.

 

Last updated: October 31, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15 State Street
Boston African American National Historical Site

Boston, MA 02109

Phone:

617 429-6760

Contact Us