boston-african-american | MA | Find park

View from the pulpit at the African Meeting House

The African Meeting House served as the religious, educational, and political center of Boston's 19th century African American community.

This is the home of education activist, abolitionist, and historian William Cooper Nell.

A large bronze statue showing a man on horseback and soldiers walking alongside him

The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial honors Colonel Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th, the first African American regiment from the North to fight in the Civil War.

A close up image of flowers laid at the feet of the soldiers on the Shaw Memorial

Flowers laid at the feet of the soldiers on the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial.

The entrance door into a red brick townhouse on Beacon Hill

Lewis and Harriet Hayden used their home as an Underground Railroad safe house to shelter those running away from slavery.

Physical Address:

21 Second Avenue

Boston African American National Historical Site

Charlestown, MA 02129

Mailing Address:

21 Second Avenue

Boston African American National Historical Site

Charlestown, MA 02129

contact-details

Phone Number: 6174296760 Voice

Email Address: boaf_mail@nps.gov
Description: Please use this email for general inquiries.

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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. 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.

park designation:National Historic Site

Directions:

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Boston African American National Historic Site

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.

Exceptions:

Christmas (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Museum of African American History

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.

Weather Information:

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.