🏕️National Park Data
A yellow wooden house on Beacon Hill
A close up image of flowers laid at the feet of the soldiers on the Shaw Memorial
A four-story federal-style brick building with rows of arched windows on each floor.
View from the pulpit at the African Meeting House
The entrance door into a red brick townhouse on Beacon Hill
A large bronze statue showing a man on horseback and soldiers walking alongside him
National Historic Site

Boston African American National Historic Site

Massachusetts

💰
Entrance Fee
Free
🕐
Hours
Varies by day
📍
Location
Charlestown, MA
📞
Visitor Center
6174296760

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.

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About Boston African American National Historic Site

Boston African American National Historic Site is a national historic site located in Massachusetts. 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.

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.

💰 Entrance Fees & Passes

Entry to Boston African American is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.

🥾 Things to Do

Boston African American National Historic Site offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.

Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits

📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist

Custom items selected for activities at Boston African American

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📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Boston African American

  • Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Boston African American before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
  • Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Boston African American can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
  • Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Boston African American. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boston African American

The entrance fee for Boston African American National Historic Site is Free per vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all 474+ NPS sites and pays for itself after just 2-3 park visits.

About the Author

🧗

James R. Mitchell

Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data

James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.

🏔️ 63 Parks Visited✍️ 12 Years Writing🧭 Wilderness GuideFull Bio →

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