Black Heritage Trail — Attraction in Boston

As a historian, I always appreciate going to older cities and learning about diverse histories. Given that the Freedom trail is popular history, i decide to learn about the less known history of Boston by going on the Black heritage trail.

As a person from NC witnessing many African American structures demolished due to development. I appreciated seeing preserve African American historic homes.

I’ve truly appreciate coming to the meeting house and seeing the oldest surviving black church structure in the nation. This is the only site that visitors can enter on walking tour. Other stops are private residence.

We didn’t physically go inside the meeting house because it did require an entry fee and we were pressed on time. I do plan on returning and paying the fee for my daughter and myself.

Finally, I would suggest starting at Faneuil Hall. There is a ranger at that site to acclimate you to the city. But also other historical panels about history of africans and American...

We took the NPS free tour with guide Dana Smith which started in front of State Capital and bronze statue of the 54th troop. It was about a two hour tour AND well worth it, actually one of the highlights of trip in Boston. We learned so much more about the 54th African American cavelry division and some personal stories as well; how a thriving free African American people came to live in the Beacon Hill district even though this was the hotbed of the white aristocracy Brahmans at the time; some historical sites but sadly not owned by original families or NPS; passing by John Kerry's house, passing through an original alley where blacks would run to avoid capture by the bounty hunters, and ending up at the African American museum on Joy St.

Our guide was passionate about ensuring we got as close to possible to understanding the issues of the time, what a wealth of information he shared!

This is not to be missed! I shed tears...

This should be a required extension of the Freedom trail. Absolutely essential to understanding the true and complete history of both Boston and our entire country. Most of the stops are private residences but I actually much prefer it that way as opposed to houses wasted as tourist destinations. Homes are to be lived in. It's such an insult imo to use a home that way while thousands don't have their own. Anyway, at the end of the trail is the museum and the adjacent building known as the African Meeting House. They've done a wonderful job restoring both spaces and providing compelling historical displays. The tour guide in the museum is knowledgeable and passionate. The audio guide for the other parts of the tour is just as...