Guide to the Museum of African American History in Boston

Through the late 20^th century, Boston, Massachusetts developed a reputation as a place unfriendly to minorities. That stain was, perhaps, a remnant of the violent protests against the forced busing of school students during the 1970s. Or, it may have been a vestige of the local sports scene, where the Boston Red Sox were the last Major League Baseball team to integrate. Either way, it belies a rich history in Boston of progressive attitudes and actions toward African Americans.

The Museum of African American History, located on historic Beacon Hill in Boston, celebrates 200 years of African American history and culture in the city. While some might think of Boston as a peculiar place for a museum of African American history, it holds an important place in the story of free blacks in America and the struggle against slavery.

The centerpiece of the Museum of African American History is the African Meeting House, built in 1806. For nearly a century, it served as a church, function hall and the site of political gatherings for Boston's thriving black community. At more than 200 years old, it is the oldest standing black church in America.

Boston was a hotbed of abolitionism during the mid-19^th century, and the African Meeting House was at the center of the movement. Noted abolitionist leader William Lloyd Garrison founded the New England Anti-Slavery Society in the building in 1832. Frederick Douglass gave an important anti-slavery speech in the Meeting House in 1860.

Most of the exhibits for the Museum of African American History are displayed nearby at the Abiel Smith School. Opened in 1835, it was the first building in the country built specifically as a public school for black children. Periodic exhibits have included collections of photographs of black entrepreneurs, a history of the black community in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, and the most recent exhibit - a traveling selection from the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery of photographs showcasing African American achievement.

In addition to the two buildings, the Museum of African American History has established a mile-and-a-half walking trail that explores the history of the African American community around Boston's Beacon Hill. The Black Heritage Trail has been designated a National Historic Site, and is staffed by National park Service rangers, who conduct guided tours and answer questions.

Beyond Boston, the Museum of African American History has also restored an African Meeting House on the island of Nantucket and has organized a walking tour that covers the rich history of the island's black community.

The Museum of African American History is located at 46 Joy Street in Boston on historic Beacon Hill, and is open Monday through Saturday. It is within walking distance of the Park Street station on the Red and Green subway lines, as well as the Bowdoin Street station on the Blue line.