Boston African American National Historic Site

The Boston African American National Historic Site in Massachusetts is a significant historical landmark that commemorates and preserves the African American history in Boston. Located on Beacon Hill, a historically significant neighborhood, the site spans several locations and offers a glimpse into the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the region.

Beacon Hill has a rich historical background as it was once home to a predominantly African American community during the 19th century. The African Meeting House, built in 1806, is one of the highlights of the site. This meeting house served as a center for social, religious, and political activities, and it was an essential gathering place for the abolitionist movement. Another important landmark is the African American Museum, which displays exhibits and artifacts that illustrate the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in Boston.

Visitors to the Boston African American National Historic Site can partake in a range of activities and explore the history of this community. Guided tours are available to provide a comprehensive understanding of the site's significance. Expert guides share stories and historical accounts that shed light on the African American experience in Boston.

The nearby attractions to the Boston African American National Historic Site further enhance visitors' experience. Just around the corner, the Massachusetts State House stands tall, offering a glimpse into the state's political history. The Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6-mile walkable route, guides visitors through various historic sites and landmarks related to African American history.

Exploring the area, visitors can also discover the historic Granary Burying Ground, where notable figures such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams are buried. Additionally, the Museum of African American History is a short distance away, providing further insights into the African American experience.

Overall, the Boston African American National Historic Site serves to honor and educate visitors about the contributions and struggles of African Americans in Boston's history. With its captivating landmarks and nearby attractions, it offers a meaningful and engaging experience for those interested in delving into this crucial aspect of American history.

Location

The Boston African American National Historic Site is nestled within the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. Situated in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, this significant site occupies approximately 14 acres of land and encompasses several well-preserved structures. Located in close proximity to the Massachusetts State House, this national historic site is bordered by Charles Street to the east, Myrtle Street to the west, Joy Street to the north, and Pinckney Street to the south. Its strategic position allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of African Americans in Boston, while also being accessible to other prominent landmarks and attractions in the city.

Address & Contact

21 Second Avenue
Boston African American National Historical Site
Charlestown, MA 02129
Driving Directions
Phone: 6174296760
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Boston African American National Historic Site would be in the months of June, July, and August. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 76°F to 83°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperature during these months is between 60°F and 67°F, ensuring comfortable conditions throughout the day. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this period is around 3.8 inches, allowing for a drier experience.

Things to do and learn in Boston African American National Historic Site

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Boston African American National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Topics

Learn about these topics at Boston African American National Historic Site: Military US Army African American Heritage Religion and Spirituality Churches Climate Change Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements Enslavement Abolition Movement LGB American Heritage

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Faneuil Hall Visitor Center

Located in the heart of downtown on the market floor of the historic 1742 building, the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center is the main visitor center for Boston National Historical Park and Boston African American National Historic Site. Maps and information for the Freedom Trail® and Black Heritage Trail® are available here. Tours begin here seasonally.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Faneuil Hall Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Boston African American National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Boston African American National Historic Site

Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.

Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill

Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill is centrally located in Boston, a 3-minute walk from Massachusetts General Hospital and 10 minutes by foot from TD Garden. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Boston? This hotel has facilities measuring 5800 square feet (539 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 5 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Web: Link

Boston Omni Parker House Hotel

Boston Omni Parker House Hotel is centrally located in Boston, a 3-minute walk from Boston City Hall and 7 minutes by foot from Quincy Market. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Boston? This hotel has facilities measuring 0 square feet (0 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 60 School St, Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Web: Link

Fifteen Beacon

A stay at Fifteen Beacon places you in the heart of Boston, steps from The Freedom Trail and 4 minutes by foot from Boston City Hall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, limo/town car service, and express check-in. A shuttle from the hotel to the airport is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).
Address: 15 Beacon St, Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Web: Link

Kimpton Nine Zero, an IHG Hotel

A stay at Kimpton Nine Zero, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of Boston, steps from The Freedom Trail and 3 minutes by foot from Suffolk University. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Boston? This hotel has facilities measuring 2400 square feet (223 square meters), including a conference center.
Address: 90 Tremont St, Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Web: Link

Kimpton Onyx Hotel, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Kimpton Onyx Hotel, an IHG Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Boston, just a 3-minute walk from TD Garden and 6 minutes by foot from The Freedom Trail. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Boston? This hotel has facilities measuring 500 square feet (46 square meters), including a meeting room.
Address: 155 Portland St, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Web: Link

The Boxer

The Boxer is centrally located in Boston, a 4-minute walk from TD Garden and 7 minutes by foot from The Freedom Trail. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 107 Merrimac St, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Web: Link

The Liberty, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston

With a stay at The Liberty, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston in Boston (West End), you'll be a 3-minute walk from Massachusetts General Hospital and 9 minutes by foot from Charles River Esplanade. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
Address: 215 Charles St, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Web: Link

Global Luxury Suites at the Commonwealth

With a stay at this apartment in Boston (West End), you'll be a 5-minute walk from TD Garden and 9 minutes by foot from Suffolk University. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1 Longfellow Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02214
Web: Link

Luxe Boston

With a stay at Luxe Boston in Boston (Beacon Hill), you'll be a 5-minute walk from Massachusetts General Hospital and 7 minutes by foot from The Freedom Trail.
Address: 76 Revere Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Web: Link

Sonder - Hancock Suites

With a stay at Sonder - Hancock Suites in Boston (Beacon Hill), you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Suffolk University and The Freedom Trail.
Address: 40 Hancock Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-02-26National Parks of Boston and Partners Commemorate 250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day
The National Parks of Boston will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day with a series of events marking the historic departure of British forces from Boston in 1776 and the first major victory of the American Revolutionary War. The event runs March 5 through March 17. More
2024-08-28Tourism to National Parks of Boston contributes $298.8 million to local economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 2.9 million visitors to National Parks of Boston in 2023 spent $196.5 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 2,430 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $298.8 million. More
2023-09-25“BLACK in the cradle of liberty” Featured Unflinching Performances on Agency, Voice, and the Power of Place
On Sunday, September 24, live performers presented “BLACK in the cradle of liberty” at the Great Hall in Faneuil Hall. This declaration explored agency, voice, and the power of place. More
2023-08-31Tourism to National Parks of Boston contributes $255.4 million to local economy
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 2.5 million visitors to National Parks of Boston in 2022 spent $167.3 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 2,090 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $255.4 million. More
2023-05-01National Park Service director visits the National Parks of Boston during National Park Week
In celebration of National Park Week, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams made his first official visit to the National Parks of Boston from April 25-26. More