Boston African American National Historic Site

Boston African American National Historic Site

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Quick Facts

Boston African American National Historic Site

Massachusetts

(617) 742-5415

Map Directions

Things To Do

 

Overview

Located in the heart of Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood, the site includes 15 pre-Civil War structures relating to the history of Boston's 19th century African-American community, including: the African Meeting House, the oldest standing African-American church in the United States. The sites are linked by the 1.6 mile (2.5 km) Black Heritage Trail. Augustus Saint-Gaudens' memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the African-American Massachusetts 54th Regiment stands on the trail.

Map of Boston African American

Latitude, Longitude: 42.359907, -71.065291

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Activities

  • Historic Sites

    The Black Heritage Trail explores the history of the 19th century free Black community of Boston. The trail consists of 14 sites and begins at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street. Self-guided tours can be conducted at any time, Monday through Sunday. Maps and site brochures can be obtained at the Abiel Smith School during site hours. National Park Ranger guided tours are conducted year-round. Please call 24 hours in advance for reservations.

Seasonality/Weather

The Museum of African American History's Abiel Smith School is open to the public year round, six days a week, Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. National Park Rangers are available there throughout the day for historic talks.

Note: The African Meeting House is currently closed for major restoration. Please call the visitor center for updates on the building's reopening

Directions

Driving

From the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90), take the Copley Square exit to Stuart Street, then turn left on Route 28 (Charles Street) to Boston Common.

From Route 93, take Storrow Drive to the Copley Square exit, turn left on Beacon Street, right on Arlington Street, left on Boylston Street and left on Charles Street (Route 28). Driving and parking are difficult on Beacon Hill. There are several parking garages in the vicinity within walking distance to the site

Flying

Logan International Airport is the major airport in Boston served by many national and international airlines. From the airport, the park can be reached by MBTA subway, taxi, rental or private vehicle.

Public Transportation

Park and ride facilities at MBTA subway (T) stations is an option to driving into the downtown area. MBTA subway stops closest to the site are the Park Street stop on the Red and Green subway lines, or the Bowdoin stop on the Blue subway line.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(617) 742-5415

Links