THING TO DO

Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

An African American NPS Ranger speaking to a group of children and holding an image of a Black man.
A NPS Ranger speaking to a school group about Lewis Hayden outside of the Hayden House.

NPS Photo/Matt Teuten

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of Beacon Hill's 19th century Black community.

The Black Heritage Trail® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.

This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. It begins at the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial and ends at the Museum of African American History, covering about 1.4 miles.

Due to COVID-19, the Park is currently offering virtual Black Heritage Trail® Tours for groups of 10 or more people. Please contact us for more information. These virtual tours are subject to availability and staffing.

Details

The Black Heritage Trail® Tours typically lasts 1.5 hours.

This tour is best suited for individuals aged 8 and above.

Pets are allowed while walking through Beacon Hill. The Museum of African American History only allows service animals into its buildings.

Please visit our page on Accessibility to learn more about General Guidelines for Visitors with Service Animals.

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations are not required. For school, tour, and other groups, we recommend you contact us for more information.

Group Tours are subject to availability and staffing.

These tours are typically offered May thru October.

Due to COVID-19, these tours are currently only being offered virtually. Please contact us for more information.

Tours leave from the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial daily at 10am and 1pm.

Due to COVID-19, these tours are currently only being offered virtually. Please contact us for more information.

Accessibility Information

This trail navigates a hill and consists of sharp inclines and small and uneven concrete sidewalks. Occasionally there are obstructions on the sidewalk that may be difficult to navigate around.

  
Photograph of a brick building from an angle to include the front door, windows, and sidewalk.

Virtual Black Heritage Trail® Tour

Explore the sites of the Black Heritage Trail® virtually.

Tags: african american history african american history and culture education education history black heritage trail churches abolition abolition movement women's rights beacon hill 54th massachusetts regiment 54th massachusetts regiment memorial boston african american national historic site

Last updated: February 24, 2021