Boston African American National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

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Boston African American National Historic Site

Boston African American National Historic Site is comprised of the largest area of pre-Civil War black owned structures in the U.S. It has roughly two dozen sites on the north face of Beacon Hill. These historic buildings were homes, businesses, schools, and churches of a thriving black community that, in the face of great opposition, fought the forces of slavery and inequality.

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Lunatic or Saint?: A Look at John Brown’s Boston

On December 2nd, 1859, John Brown was hanged for treason after failing to incite a slave rebellion at Harper’s Ferry. His raid is considered one of the final catalysts that lead the nation to Civil War. Join us on the anniversary of his death as we look back at John Brown’s Boston, his strong ties to the abolitionist community here, and the divisions within the city that followed both his raid and execution.

This presentation will be lead by Park Ranger Dana Smith and is the first program in our Civil War Lecture series scheduled for the Winter/Spring season.

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William Lloyd Garrison and The Liberator

The Liberator newspaper holds the record as the longest continuously published abolitionist newspaper in American history. This ground breaking publication garnered much acclaim throughout the world by opening eyes about the happenings of slavery and those who helped abolish it. The Liberator was published here in Boston with the strong support of the free black community of Beacon Hill.

		19th Century Abolitionists The Boston African American National Historic Site contains buildings and sites connected to scores of men and women who fought for the abolition of slavery. Abolitionist activism took many forms: political speeches, court cases, newspaper and pamphlet publications, open militancy and defiance of federal laws, etc. Abolitionists such as Maria Stewart, Wendell Phillips, Frederick Douglass, and others spoke against slavery at the African Meeting House and at the Charles Street Meeting House. Lewis Hayden sheltered and protected hundreds of self-emancipated slaves at his boarding house on Phillips Street, as did other community leaders including the Rev. Leonard Grimes, William C. Nell,James Scott, and Susan Hillard. John J.Smith, Lewis Hayden, John Coburn, and a dozen other men helped rescue Shadrach Minkins from federal custody in 1851. more...

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14 Beacon Street
Suite 401
Boston, MA 02108

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Phone

Visitor Information
(617) 742-5415

Climate

Temperatures range from extremely warm, humid summer days to blistering cold New England winter days. Wear comfortable seasonal clothing and walking shoes. Boston African American National Historic Site is located on Beacon Hill, which is very steep at places. Public restrooms are located in the Museum of African American History (Abiel Smith School). We suggest you bring bottled water while walking the Black Heritage Trail.

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2009	2010	2011


			Did You Know? The first African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor was William Carney in 1900. Carney was a member of the famous Massachusetts 54th Regiment, and was honored with the medal for his valor at the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. more...