These remarkable men and women, together with their allies, were leaders in the Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the early struggle for equal rights and education.
Photo: NPS Photo / M. Bozio
Boston African American National Historic Site
Centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill, the African American community of 1800s Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and injustice.
- LocationCharlestown, MA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursToday: Closed
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Weather now67°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Abolition Movement
- African American Heritage
- Churches
- Civil War
- Climate Change
- Enslavement
- LGB American Heritage
- Military
5 more topics
- Monuments and Memorials
- Religion and Spirituality
- Social Movements
- US Army
- Wars and Conflicts
Things to Do
12 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become a Junior Ranger at Boston African American National Historic Site
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston African American National Historic Site by learning about the sites along the Black Heritage Trail Trail® here in Boston.
Learn more about Become a Junior Ranger at Boston African American National Historic Site on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park!
Learn more about Become a Junior Ranger at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston National Historical Park
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston National Historical Park by learning about the sites along the Freedom Trail® here in Boston.
Learn more about Become a Junior Ranger at Boston National Historical Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore Boston with a Free Audio Tour
Explore Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, and Charlestown with a self-guided audio tour!
Learn more about Explore Boston with a Free Audio Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore the Black Heritage Trail®
Take a self-guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail® and learn about the contributions of Boston's Black Community in Beacon Hill.
Learn more about Explore the Black Heritage Trail® on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
History at Sunset Walking Tours
Reservation required
Join a Park Ranger for a special guided tour exploring Boston's rich history as a city of revolutions.
Learn more about History at Sunset Walking Tours on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall
Join National Parks of Boston Rangers as we recreate historic town meetings.
Learn more about Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Museum of African American History: Explore the Rich History of the 19th-Century Black Community on Beacon Hill
Reservation required Fee applies
At the Museum of African American History visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of Beacon Hill's 19th century Black community by exploring this museum's historic buildings and the…
Learn more about Museum of African American History: Explore the Rich History of the 19th-Century Black Community on Beacon Hill on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Faneuil Hall Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Located in the heart of downtown on the market floor of the historic 1742 building, the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center is the main visitor center for Boston National…
Details
Located in the heart of downtown on the market floor of the historic 1742 building, the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center is the main visitor center for Boston National Historical Park and Boston African American National Historic Site. Maps and information for the Freedom Trail® and Black Heritage Trail® are available here. Tours begin here seasonally.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Today: Closed · Boston African American National Historic Site
Hours by area (2)
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Boston African American National Historic SiteToday: Closed
Boston African American National Historic Site rangers offer tours of the Black Heritage Trail seasonally. Please check the park calendar for available tours and programs.
Monday Closed Tuesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Wednesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Thursday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Friday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Sunday 10:00AM - 4:00PM -
Museum of African American HistoryToday: Closed
The Museum of African American History is a partner of Boston African American National Historic Site. They operate the Abiel Smith School and the African Meeting House in conjunction with the National Park Service.
Monday Closed Tuesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Wednesday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Thursday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Friday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM Sunday 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
21 Second Avenue, Boston African American National Historical SiteCharlestown, MA 02129
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
67°F
Sunny · feels like 64°
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Today
70° 53°
Sunny77% rain
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Tomorrow
61° 52°
Patchy rain nearby87% rain -
Wednesday
75° 61°
Overcast65% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
What to expect by season
Boston African American National Historic Site is located in downtown Boston which can see extreme cold in the winter months, as well as extreme heat and humidity throughout the summer months. Walking tours may be cancelled during severe heat and/or weather events.
Photos
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The Museum of African American History stewards the African Meeting House and the Abiel Smith School. — NPS Photo -
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1 more photo
Getting There
Charlestown, MA 02129
Site administrative offices are located at Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Seasonal ranger programs begin at either the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street, or at the Museum of African American History at 46 Joy Street on Beacon Hill.
Mailing address: 21 Second Avenue, Charlestown, MA 02129
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