Massachusetts African American National Historic Site map and highlights

Boston African-American  National Historic Site on the map.  Basic information for visitors to the Boston  African-American National Historic Site In Boston.    

Boston African-American National Historic Site in Boston.    

Fifteen pre-Civil War structures here shelter the history of  Boston s free 19th-century African-American community. Located in the  Beacon Hill neighborhood and linked by the 1.6-mi Black Heritage Trail,  the collection of buildings includes the African Meeting House, the  oldest standing African-American church in the United States, and the  Abiel Smith School. Also on site is Augustus Saint-Gaudens' memorial to  Robert Gould Shaw, the white officer who led the 54th Regiment, the  first African-American regiment recruited from the North by the U.S.  government during the Civil War. The site was authorized on October  10,1980.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Taking Black Heritage Trail walking tour. Facilities: Indoor and  outdoor interpretive exhibits and signs. Park office in Museum of  Afro-American History (partner). Programs & Events: Guided walking  tours. Living-history programs (mid-June-mid-July). Tips & Hints:  Walking tour maps and guides free at the African Meeting House. Tour  participants meet at the Shaw monument (Park and Beacon Sts.). Park  busiest July and Aug., least crowded Dec. and Jan.    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Free. Donations support the Museum of Afro-American History,  which is open Mon.-Sat. 10-4. Tours of site (Memorial Day-Labor Day,  daily at 10, noon, and 2; Labor Day-Memorial Day, Tues.-Sat. at 10, 12,  2).    

HOW TO GET THERE    

In Boston via 1-90 (Massachusetts Tpke.) to Copley Sq. exit and  Stuart St., then left on Charles St. (Rte. 28) to Boston Common; or via  1-93 to Storrow Dr. and Copley Sq. exit, then left on Beacon St., right  on Arlington St., left on Boylston St., and left on Charles St. (Rte.  28). Several parking garages are close by. Closest MBTA subway stops are  Park St. on the Red and Green lines and Bowdoin Sq. on the Blue Line.  Closest airport: Boston.    

CONTACTS    

Boston African American National Historic Site (14 Beacon St.,  Suite 503, Boston, MA 02108, tel. 617/742-5415, fax 617/720-0848,)   

Boston African-American National Historic Site.  Basic  information for visitors to the Boston African-American National  Historic Site in Boston.