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National Day of Healing 2019
August 2019 marks the 400th anniversary of the first landing of enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America at Point Comfort in Hampton, Virginia, today Fort Monroe National Monument. The National Parks of Boston and its partners will come together in solidarity on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. and join the nationwide, 4 minute (one minute for each century) bell ringing ceremony, to honor the first enslaved Africans who landed in North America. The public is invited to pause, reflect, and honor those enslaved Africans who arrived in 1619 and subsequent generations who endured hardship, possessed resilience, and contributed to the history and development of the United States. Bell ringing will take place at Faneuil Hall, USS Cassin Young, USS Constitution, Old South Meeting House, Old North Church, and King's Chapel.
Throughout the weekend the National Parks of Boston will offer programs to commemorate 400 years of African American History.
All events offered by the National Parks of Boston for this commemoration are free and open to the public.
These include:
NPS Photo/Amanda Pollock
The Glorious Struggle for Liberty
Saturday, August 24 at 10:00am
This tour will explore Long Wharf’s history with a focus on the central role Boston Harbor played in both the slave trade and the Underground Railroad. Meet at the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Welcome Center, 191 W. Atlantic Avenue, Boston. One hour guided tour.
Black Heritage Trail® Tour
Saturday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Join a National Park Service Ranger and explore the history of Boston’s free black community leaders of the abolitionist movement who lived on the North Slope of Beacon Hill during the 19th century. Meet at the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial located on Beacon Street across from the State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston.
Ninety minute guided tour.
Boston and the Middle Passage
Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Over 165 documented voyages set sail from Boston and nearby ports for Africa and transported over 20,000 enslaved people across the Atlantic. Primary source documents, such as petitions, maps, and newspaper advertisements, will be available for visitors to view and reflect on the indelible mark of the Middle Passage.
Location: Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Welcome Center, 191 W. Atlantic Avenue, Boston.
NPS Photo/Amanda Pollock
Rocking the Cradle: 1854 Fugitive Slave Act Meeting
Saturday, August 24, at 3:00 p.m.
Join in a re-creation of the historic meeting and argue the fate of runaway slave, Anthony Burns. Location: The Great Hall of Historic Faneuil Hall, second floor, Boston. 30 minute program.
Ghosts of the Revolution
Saturday, August 24, at 3:30 p.m.
Join a National Park Ranger and follow the route fugitive slave Anthony Burns took when his fate was decided and he was forcibly returned to his enslavers in Virginia. Location: The Great Hall of Historic Faneuil Hall, second floor, Boston. One hour tour.
Black Heritage Trail® Tour
Sunday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Join a National Park Service Ranger and explore the history of Boston's free black community leaders of the abolitionist movement who lived on the North Slope of Beacon Hill during the 19th century. Meet at the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial located on Beacon Street across from the State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston. Ninety minute guided tour.
NPS Photo
Day of Healing
Sunday, August 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Join a National Park Ranger for a conversation on the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans arriving in North America in 1619 and Boston’s role in the transatlantic crossing route known as the Middle Passage. This program will lead into the bell ringing ceremony, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Location: The Great Hall of Historic Faneuil Hall, second floor, Boston.
Day of Healing Bell Ringing Locations:
- King’s Chapel is located at, 58 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.
- Old South Meeting House is located at, 310 Washington Street, Boston, MA.
- Old North Church is located at, 193 Salem Street, Boston, MA.
- The USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young are located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, 3rd St., Boston, MA
NPS Photo/Amanda Pollock
Rocking the Cradle: 1854 Fugitive Slave Act Meeting
Sunday, August 25, at 3:15 p.m.
Join in a re-creation of the historic meeting and argue the fate of runaway slave, Anthony Burns. Location: The Great Hall of Historic Faneuil Hall, second floor, Boston. 30 minute program.
Ghosts of the Revolution
Sunday, August 25, at 3:45 p.m.
Join a National Park Ranger and follow the route fugitive slave Anthony Burns took when his fate was decided and he was forcibly returned to his enslavers in Virginia. Location: The Great Hall of Historic Faneuil Hall, second floor, Boston. One hour tour.
Last updated: December 5, 2024