Boston African American National Historic Site
The African Meeting House, Abiel Smith School, homes, churches, and streets trace abolition, education, community, and resistance through nineteenth-century Boston.
Artwork inspired by Allan Rohan Crite
The African Meeting House, Abiel Smith School, homes, churches, and streets trace abolition, education, community, and resistance through nineteenth-century Boston. The site is a neighborhood network rather than one monument. Black Bostonians built institutions, aided freedom seekers, challenged segregated schools, published arguments, and organized for citizenship; the steep Beacon Hill streets preserve the physical proximity that supported this work.
Start at the Museum of African American History or join an NPS Black Heritage Trail program when available. The walking route is hilly, city sidewalks are uneven, and building hours differ from outdoor interpretation. Do not assume the Freedom Trail covers the same story.
- Trail
- About 1.6 miles
- Landmarks
- African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School
- Theme
- Abolition and Black community
Quick guide
- Begin with institutions
- Meeting house and school anchor the neighborhood.
- Climb slowly
- Beacon Hill grade is part of the route.
Know before you go
- Begin with institutions
- Meeting house and school anchor the neighborhood.
- Climb slowly
- Beacon Hill grade is part of the route.
- Read ordinary homes
- Networks worked beyond famous addresses.
- Separate the trails
- Black Heritage and Freedom Trail are distinct.
Good to know
The outdoor trail has no gate, but interior access and ranger walks are scheduled. Steep grades, brick sidewalks, winter ice, and city construction affect mobility.
Notice these
- African Meeting House
- Abiel Smith School
- Phillips Street homes