Boston African American National Historic Site

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Boston African American National Historic Site Our goal is to make this Community Page the best collection of shared knowledge on this topic. Welcome to the Boston African National Park page.

If you have a passion for African American History, join our community and keep history alive. We hope this will become a place where fans feel comfortable sharing information and experiences about Boston African National Park with one another

While this is an open forum, it is also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. Please be considerate of other fan's opinions. In addition to keeping it family friendly, we ask that you follow our posting guidelines here. If you do not comply, your message will be removed. We do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit or racial comments or submissions, nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful or intended to defame anyone or any organization. We do not allow solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Such posts and/or links are subject to deletion. People who continue to post such content and/or links may be subject to page participation restrictions and/or removal from the page. We do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. We do not allow comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity. You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided. Posting of external links on this site that are intended as advertising (or to drive traffic to websites unrelated to Boston African National Park), or do not contribute to dialog and discussions about Boston African National Park may be deleted. People who continue to post such links may be subject to page participation restrictions and/or removal from the page. External links do not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the U.S. National Park Service or the U.S. Department of Interior. In 1980, the United States Congress established Boston African National Historic Site (BOAF). The mission of BOAF, in partnership with Boston Museum of African American History (MAAH), is to preserve and interpret, for the benefit, education, and inspiration of the people of the United States, the historic structures and properties in Boston associated with the creation and development of a free African American Community on Beacon Hill that, in the face of tremendous opposition, mounted a resistance to the forces of slavery and segregation in the years leading up to and including the Civil War. The largest African American community in Boston during the decades before the Civil War was on the northern slope of Beacon Hill, in the shadow of the Massachusetts State House. Although some black Bostonian s lived in the North End and in the West End north of Cambridge Street, over half the city's 2,000 blacks lived on Beacon Hill just below the homes of wealthy whites. The historic buildings along today's Black Heritage Trail were the homes, businesses, schools, and churches of a thriving black community that organized, from the nation's earliest years, to sustain those who faced local discrimination and national slavery; struggling toward the equality and freedom promised in America's documents of national liberty.

  in 1850, Judge Woodbury issued a warrant for Ellen and William Crafts’ arrest under the Fugitive Slave Law. Two slave ...
10/25/2026

in 1850, Judge Woodbury issued a warrant for Ellen and William Crafts’ arrest under the Fugitive Slave Law. Two slave catchers had arrived in Boston a few days prior, applying for this warrant and vowing to return William and Ellen Craft to slavery. Refusing to flee, William Craft declared he had “ran far enough, and will not run any further” (Boston Courier October 26, 1850).

The Boston Vigilance Committee, reacting from a declaration from the Black community in Beacon Hill to come to their aid, came together to thwart the slave catchers - getting them arrested for slander, posting notices across the city, and showing up outside their hotels and the courthouse. After only five days, the committee succeeded in driving out the slave catchers, who left the City of Boston empty-handed.

Learn more about William and Ellen Craft’s escape: https://www.nps.gov/articles/-a-desperate-leap-for-liberty-the-escape-of-william-and-ellen-craft.htm

Image Credit: "Running a thousand miles for freedom; Or, the escape of William and Ellen Craft from slavery" by William Craft, 1860.

  in 1842, George Latimer was arrested shortly after his arrival in Boston.  A freedom seeker from Virginia, his case in...
10/18/2026

in 1842, George Latimer was arrested shortly after his arrival in Boston. A freedom seeker from Virginia, his case inspired the Personal Liberty Act of 1855, the “Latimer Law,” made to stop the seizure of freedom seekers by enslavers and their agents. In the subsequent years, the law became the foundation for many similar Personal Liberty Laws in other states.

In response to Latimer’s arrest Boston’s vigilant abolitionist community mobilized to purchase his freedom, and together with his wife, Rebecca, he set up a life for himself in Boston and the surrounding areas.

Image Credit: The Liberator, Oct. 28, 1842.

Get ready to explore! With school back in session, we are excited to bring our partner classes with  and  to our site. T...
10/12/2026

Get ready to explore! With school back in session, we are excited to bring our partner classes with and to our site. These trips help students answer the question “How does Boston speak up for change?”

This year, students will walk along the Black Heritage Trail, learn about the abolitionists who lived in Beacon Hill, and write poems in the African Meeting House. We are excited to welcome back students and bring youth to our park.

Photos: NPS / M. Teuten

  in 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed legislation to establish Boston African American National Historic Site. For ov...
10/10/2026

in 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed legislation to establish Boston African American National Historic Site. For over four decades, park rangers have shared the history of Boston’s Black community on Beacon Hill, interpreting the sites and stories for thousands of visitors.

Thank you to all that have joined us on the Black Heritage Trail this past year, whether in person or online!

While tours have wrapped up for the season there are still many ways to explore on your own, visit us at Faneuil Hall to learn more about the abolitionist movement in Boston or do a self-guided tour: https://www.nps.gov/boaf/virtual-black-heritage-trail-tour.htm

Photos: NPS / M. Bozio.

"The blessings of education" is what early education advocate Primus Hall worked towards as one of the leaders of Boston...
10/05/2026

"The blessings of education" is what early education advocate Primus Hall worked towards as one of the leaders of Boston's early Black community. Hall opened and operated the African School out of his home on Phillips Street in 1798 to serve the Black students of Boston. He would become an early advocate for equal education and participate in the 1812 petition to Massachusetts legislature to argue in support of equal access to education for Black students.

Primus Hall served as a leader of Boston’s early Black community, taking on the fight to give black students access to education. Hall opened and operated the African School out of his home on Phillips Street in 1798. He would become an early advocate for equal education and participate in the 1812 petition to the Massachusetts legislature to give students “the blessings of education.”

NPS Photo / H Preble

Today’s homework: thank a teacher. National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it...
10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green GablesAnd we’re rather glad ther...
10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady HeronIt’s October 3rd.October is kind of a big deal around here. The ...
10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026
Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gol...
10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories ...
10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026
10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks l...
09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

âś… Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

Due to current weather conditions, both the 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Black Heritage Trail Tours have been moved indoors ...
09/27/2026

Due to current weather conditions, both the 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Black Heritage Trail Tours have been moved indoors to the space in the basement of Faneuil Hall for today. For all park alerts please see the link below.

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 W...

“It used to be my business to pull off the hatches and warn [the enslaved people] that it was time to separate, and the ...
09/24/2026

“It used to be my business to pull off the hatches and warn [the enslaved people] that it was time to separate, and the shrieks and cries at these times were enough to make anybody's heart ache...”

Mariner Austin Bearse saw the evils of slavery first-hand while working on trading ships along the East Coast. Harrowed by his experience, he eventually refused to conduct business in southern ports. Bearse became a leading operative in Boston’s Maritime Underground Railroad, helping numerous freedom seekers who arrived as stowaways via Boston Harbor.

This Underground Railroad Month learn more about members of the Boston Vigilance Committee like Austin Bearse: https://www.nps.gov/people/austin-bearse.htm

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Image courtesy of Massachusetts Historical Society

Happy Fall! While Beacon Hill is full of charm throughout the year, we particularly enjoy seeing the neighborhood embrac...
09/22/2026

Happy Fall!

While Beacon Hill is full of charm throughout the year, we particularly enjoy seeing the neighborhood embrace fall with festive decorations.

Take advantage of the cooler weather and meander through the historic streets yourself by following one of our self-guided tours on the NPS App.

NPS Photo / M. Bozio

“The day after my arrival was one of the happiest of my life. I felt as if I was beyond the reach of the bloodhounds; an...
09/14/2026

“The day after my arrival was one of the happiest of my life. I felt as if I was beyond the reach of the bloodhounds; and, for the first time during many years, I had both my children together with me.”

In “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” Harriet Jacobs recalled her relief upon moving to Boston in 1844. She had previously sought refuge here several times while escaping slave catchers searching for her in New York.

Apart from a brief visit to England, Jacobs lived in the North End until 1849.

Learn more about Harriet Jacobs in Boston: https://www.nps.gov/places/harriet-jacobs-home-charter-street.htm

Image courtesy of New York Public Library, "Harriet Jacobs in 1894"

There’s more than one way to explore the sites and stories of the Underground Railroad: 🚶Ranger-led Black Heritage Trail...
09/10/2026

There’s more than one way to explore the sites and stories of the Underground Railroad:

🚶Ranger-led Black Heritage Trail Tours occur Wednesday – Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

🌇 Underground Railroad-themed “History at Sunset” walking tour on Thursday, September 24 at 5:30 p.m.

📱“The Underground Railroad in Boston” self-guided walking tour, available on our website and the NPS App.

Sign up for a tour: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/black-heritage-trail-tour.htm

NPS Photo/M. Bozio

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46 Joy Street
Boston, MA
02108

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