African Meeting House

The basics

Part of the Boston African American National Historic Site, the African Meeting House is operated as part of the Museum of African-American History, which restored the building. The museum commemorates African-American history from slavery through the abolitionist movement.

On daily, ranger-led tours, visitors can see historical exhibits, explore the building where abolitionists including Frederick Douglass gave speeches, and visit the Abiel Smith School, the oldest public school in the United States built for the sole purpose of educating African-American children.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets for the Museum of African-American History can be reserved online.

• You can also get walk-up tickets at the Abiel Smith School.

• The Abiel Smith School houses a museum store filled with relevant books and gifts.

• The African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School are both fully accessible by wheelchair users.

How to get there

The African Meeting House is in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, a short walk from the State House. Subway riders can take the Red or Green Line to Park Street or the Blue Line to Bowdoin Street, both nearby. Drivers can find several parking garages in the vicinity.

When to get there

The Museum of African-American History is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from mid-morning through late afternoon. While reserving tickets in advance is advisable, visitors don't usually encounter crowds larger than weekday school groups.

The Black Heritage Trail

The museum lies along the Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6-mile (2.6 kilometers) walking tour of historic sites exploring the life of free African-Americans before, during, and after the American Civil War. The path leads past ten historic sites—most are private residences—through the heart of the Beacon Hill neighborhood. The Abiel Smith School has maps and brochures helpful for a self-guided tour.