Built in 1806, the African Meeting House served as a church, school and gathering place for the political activism and cultural life of Boston’s free Black community in the 19th century.
Born into a biracial family in 1880, the poet and playwright Angelina Weld Grimke lived her earliest years at 61 Temple Street, in a neighborhood long known as a hotbed of Black activism.
Beacon Hill, the historic Boston neighborhood and the hill from which that neighborhood takes its name, has served the inhabitants of Boston for centuries. Its residents, their homes, and their gathering spaces played a transformational role in Boston's unique social, cultural, and political history.
Boston African American National Historic Site works with the Museum of African American History to preserve and interpret the inspiring history of the free black community in antebellum Boston.
City Hall serves as the center of government for the City of Boston. Built in 1968, the design firm Kallmann, McKinnell, and Knowles committed to a brutalist style for the new city administration building.
Considered the oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common played an important role in the history of conservation, landscape architecture, military and political history, and recreation in Massachusetts. The Common and the adjoining Public Garden are among the greatest amenities and most visited outdoor public spaces in Boston.
This site served as the federal courtroom and jail cell for freedom seekers arrested under the Fugitive Slave Law. In response, the courthouse became a site of protest for abolitionists.
Beneath the Old State House balcony, a circle of granite pavers mark the site of the Boston Massacre. On March 5, 1770, an unruly group of colonists taunted British soldiers by throwing snowballs and rocks. Firing upon the crowd, the British killed five colonists including Crispus Attucks. Boston lawyer and future American President John Adams successfully defended the soldiers in court against murder charges.
Built in 1807, the Charles Street Meeting House served generations of worshippers both as a Baptist church and later as an African Methodist Episcopal church. Throughout its history, the Charles Street Meeting House acted as a space for social activism.
The Massachusett Tribe has lived with and stewarded the Shawmut Peninsula for thousands of years. When European colonists arrived, they claimed and transformed the landscape. Settlers cut down the three hills of downtown Boston, filled in salt marshes and beaches, and built permanent structures along the shore. This place first became known as Bendall’s Cove, then the Town Dock, and later, Dock Square. Today, parts of historic Dock Square make up Sam Adams Park.
Home to the National Park Service Freedom Trail Visitor Center, the first floor of Faneuil Hall originally served as a market and still functions as one today. On the second floor, ceremonies, meetings, lectures and protests have enlivened and sometimes disrupted the Great Hall for over 250 years. On the fourth floor is an exhibit of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, the country’s oldest chartered military organization.
George Middleton led the Bucks of America, a local Black militia during the American Revolution. After the war, he became an activist and community leader, helping found the African Society and serving as the 3rd Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masons.
While residing at 62 Pinckney Street, George and Susan Hillard assisted freedom seekers. They notably hid Ellen Craft in their home when slave catchers sought to arrest her and her husband, William.
A prominent clothing dealer and community activist, John Coburn served as treasurer of the New England Freedom Association and co-founded the Massasoit Guards, a Black military company in 1850s Boston.
A leading community activist and entrepreneur, John J. Smith operated a barbershop that became an important center for abolitionist activity. He and his wife Georgiana also participated in the equal school rights movement in the 1850s.
The Hilton House on Joy Street, formerly 12 Belknap Street, served as the home of several Black Bostonians, including community activists and at least two known Underground Railroad operatives.
Lewis and Harriet Hayden established their home as the most active Underground Railroad safe house in Boston, sheltering scores of documented freedom seekers including William and Ellen Craft.
Long Wharf, located at the foot of State Street in Boston, is significant for its association with the early mercantile history of the United States. From the construction of Long Wharf in 1710-21 until 1756, Boston served as the largest colonial American port and was surpassed by only New York and Philadelphia during the rest of the 1700s. It also played a role in early military history, as well as in Boston's abolition history.
With its gold dome clearly visible atop Beacon Hill, the Massachusetts State House is home to the State Senate, House of Representatives, and the Governor’s office. Construction of the State House completed in 1798. Inside, murals, statues and governors’ portraits illustrate the state’s history.
Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin's 103 Charles Street home served as the center for the Woman's Era Club of Boston. A primarily Black women's club, the Woman’s Era Club focused on both the intellectual engagement of its members as well as the social needs of its community.
Established in 1737, Old West Church has a long history in Boston. From its time as a church, to its stint as a library from 1896-1961, it has also served as a crucial gathering space for the community and welcomed advocates of social justice.
Built in 1824 and considered one of the finest public schools in Boston, the Phillips School educated only white students until 1855 when it became one of the first integrated schools in the city.
69 Joy Street, formerly 16 Belknap Street, still stands today and it served as the home of two prominent Black Bostonian families: the Putnam and Johnson families.
Started as a small group gathering in the 1880s, the Boston Political Class became an effective resource for women learning about civics and political issues.
Freedom seeker Lewis Howard lived at 170 Cambridge Street. While living here, Howard and his wife adopted a formerly enslaved child, Ellen Starr, and assisted other freedom seekers who came to Boston.
