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Boston African American National Historic Site
Boston African American National Historic Site is comprised of the largest area of pre-Civil War black owned structures in the U.S. It has roughly two dozen sites on the north face of Beacon Hill. These historic buildings were homes, businesses, schools, and churches of a thriving black community that, in the face of great opposition, fought the forces of slavery and inequality. more...
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19th Century Abolitionists
The Boston African American National Historic Site contains buildings and sites connected to scores of men and women who fought for the abolition of slavery. Abolitionist activism took many forms: political speeches, court cases, newspaper and pamphlet publications, open militancy and defiance of federal laws, etc. Abolitionists such as Maria Stewart, Wendell Phillips, Frederick Douglass, and others spoke against slavery at the African Meeting House and at the Charles Street Meeting House. Lewis Hayden sheltered and protected hundreds of self-emancipated slaves at his boarding house on Phillips Street, as did other community leaders including the Rev. Leonard Grimes, William C. Nell,James Scott, and Susan Hillard. John J.Smith, Lewis Hayden, John Coburn, and a dozen other men helped rescue Shadrach Minkins from federal custody in 1851. more...
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The Liberator Files Website
The Liberator newspaper holds the record as the longest continuously published abolitionist newspaper in American history. This ground breaking publication garnered much acclaim throughout the world by opening eyes about the happenings of slavery and those who helped abolish it. The Liberator also began here in Boston. The LiberatorFiles.com is a glimpse into many of the articles published in those pages from 1831 through 1865. Follow various happenings written by William Lloyd Garrison and others at this website, developed by National Park Ranger Horace Seldon. more...
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Write to
14 Beacon Street Suite 401
Boston, MA 02108
E-mail Us
Phone
Visitor Information (617) 742-5415
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Climate
Temperatures range from extremely warm, humid summer days to blistering cold New England winter days. Wear comfortable seasonal clothing and walking shoes. Boston African American National Historic Site is located on Beacon Hill, which is very steep at places. Public restrooms are located in the Museum of African American History (Abiel Smith School). We suggest you bring bottled water while walking the Black Heritage Trail.
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![Sgt. William Carney of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment and the Boston African American NHS logo Sgt. William Carney of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment and the Boston African American NHS logo](/ner/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/BOAF_carneyweb.gif) |
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Did You Know?
The first African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor was William Carney in 1900. Carney was a member of the famous Massachusetts 54th Regiment, and was honored with the medal for his valor at the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863.
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Last Updated: January 22, 2008 at 09:45 EST |