National Historic Site

Boston African American National Historic Site

Northeast

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Designation: National Historic Site
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Boston African American.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Mon: Closed
Tue: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Wed: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Thu: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Fri: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sat: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

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.

Weather and when to go

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.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 21 Second Avenue, Boston African American National Historical Site, Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 429-6760
Email: boaf_mail@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/boaf

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Boston African American

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Boston African American

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Visit Historic Faneuil Hall

Museum Exhibits · about 45 min

Visit the Historic Cradle of Liberty's marketplace, Visitor Center, Great Hall, and Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall

Living History · about 35 min

Join National Parks of Boston Rangers as we recreate historic town meetings.
Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

Guided Tours · about 1.2 hours · Reservation required

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston on a Black Heritage Trail® Tour to learn about the Black community of Beacon Hill that thrived before, during, and after the A…
History at Sunset Walking Tours

Guided Tours · about 1.3 hours · Reservation required

Join a Park Ranger for a special guided tour exploring Boston's rich history as a city of revolutions.
National Parks of Boston: Find Your Park Anywhere

Hands-On · about 40 min

Find your park anywhere, from your home to your backyard, with activities spanning the National Parks of Boston.
Explore Boston with a Free Audio Tour

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 45 min

Explore Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, and Charlestown with a self-guided audio tour!
Explore the Black Heritage Trail®

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 1.2 hours

Take a self-guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail® and learn about the contributions of Boston's Black Community in Beacon Hill.
Watch "Fighting for Freedom: Lewis Hayden and the Underground Railroad"

Park Film · about 20 min

Watch a film that follows the story of Lewis Hayden and his family as they seek freedom on the Underground Railroad and become activists living in Boston, Massachusetts.
Museum of African American History: Explore the Rich History of the 19th-Century Black Community on Beacon Hill

Museum Exhibits · about 45 min · Reservation required

At the Museum of African American History visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of Beacon Hill's 19th century Black community by exploring this museum's historic bui…