National Historic Site · MA

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.
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
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.
The Black Heritage Trail® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.
Over the next twelve stops we will hear powerful stories of people who seized their freedom on the Underground Railroad and came to Boston. We will also learn about the activists and allies in this city who helped these freedom seekers* along their way. This tour weaves through Beacon Hill followed by a few stops in Downtown Boston. The tour concludes at Long Wharf. *"Freedom seeker" refers to an enslaved person who took action to obtain their freedom from slavery (NPS Network to Freedom).
During the 1800s, Beacon Hill served as a center in the work to abolish slavery, the fight for equal education, & the struggle for women’s rights. Black & White women played a significant role in these & other efforts, having aspirational visions of a just & equitable world. Working from their homes & in community spaces, they used tools at their disposal to define their own sphere of action & influence. Join us as we explore stories of the inspiring women who lived & made a difference in this community.
No entrance fee.
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.
Hours are retrieved from the National Park Service and can change without notice — check the official site before you go.
Times are in the park’s local time. Golden hour is the sun within 6° above the horizon; blue hour, within 6° below.
Source: National Weather Service.