Boston African American National Historic Site

Boston African American National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Massachusetts.

In the park service’s words

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 (public domain).

Things to do

• Visit Historic Faneuil Hall: 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 (30 to 45 Minutes): Join National Parks of Boston Rangers as we recreate historic town meetings.
• Walk the Black Heritage Trail® (60 to 90 Minutes): 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 American Civil War.
• History at Sunset Walking Tours (75 to 90 Minutes): 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 (30 to 60 Minutes): 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: Explore Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, and Charlestown with a self-guided audio tour!
• Become a Junior Ranger at Boston African American National Historic Site: Become a Junior Ranger at Boston African American National Historic Site by learning about the sites along the Black Heritage Trail Trail® here in Boston.
• Become a Junior Ranger at Boston National Historical Park: Become a Junior Ranger at Boston National Historical Park by learning about the sites along the Freedom Trail® here in Boston.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

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.

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.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Faneuil Hall Visitor Center: Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Located in the heart of downtown on the market level of the historic 1742 building, the Faneuil Hall visitor center is open year-round.

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 199 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Boston African American National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.