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Boston African American National Historic Site

National Historic Site · Massachusetts

View from the pulpit at the African Meeting House, which has rows of benches and an upper gallery
Many notable Black and White leaders spoke at the African Meeting House, including Maria Stewart, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison. Photo: NPS Photo / M. Bozio

Hours

See this week's hours below.

Entrance fee
The Park Service lists no entrance fee for this site.
Phone
6174296760
Address
21 Second Avenue, Charlestown, MA 02129

About Boston African American

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.

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.

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Changes to these hours

  • Thanksgiving, Nov 26: Closed
  • Christmas, Dec 25: Closed
  • New Year's Day, Jan 1: Closed

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.

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Changes to these hours

  • Winter Hours, Sep 7 to May 31, 2027: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Closed

Getting there

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.

Weather

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.

Things to do

Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Self-Guided Tours - Walking.

Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Boston African American ↗