Museum of African American History — Attraction in Boston

We visited this Black centric establishment on Saturday, July 30, 2022. I booked a reservation prior to online on the establishment’s website. The time that I booked was for 2 PM that day, but we decided to go at noon instead. We were at the Boston location, but there’s also a location in Nantucket. This is a very historic complex of buildings because it includes the Abiel Smith School, The African Meeting House, and The William Nell House across the street. William Nell is a notable Boston figure, since he played a pivotal role in desegregating Boston Public Schools. Upon arrival we were greeted by the museum’s director and coordinator, who was very upbeat and welcoming. He stated we will be allowed 30 minutes to tour the Abiel Smith School exhibits. We started on the first floor of the Abiel Smith School and were able to view exhibits pertaining to the history of black heritage, culture, and struggle in Boston. The first floor of the school did have a small bookstore and gift shop, which showcases books and jewelry for sale. There were restrooms available on the first floor of this school and we also were able to go upstairs to view more exhibits. The first floor also had information about the Abiel Smith School, African Meeting House, and The Black Heritage Trail. Once we went upstairs, we were able to view information with portraits of extremely notable figures to the black community and to the Boston community. This included Louis Hayden, Frederick Douglass, Robert Shaw, Alan Krei, Sutton Smith, and also William Lloyd Garrison. There was an amazing collection showcasing The Liberator propaganda, blueprints for slave ships, and also portraits of the 54th regiment men. There was beautiful artwork on the walls from black artists depicting African American life during the time period, which were beautiful and colorful. At 12:30 PM we followed the museum director next door to the African Meeting House. He gave us an informative short talk on the purpose and history of the African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School. He explained the pivotal role the African Meeting House played in uniting, strengthening, advising, and teaching the Black community in Boston. This building became a beacon of hope and example for other communities in America before, during, and after the Civil War. We watched the short film called Building on A Firm Foundation, which showcases a young black girl in Boston transport herself back in time and describe what life was like in 1800s Boston for black people. She described it as a perilous time where blacks were in constant fear of being captured by slave catchers, facing the racism of the federal government, and the local government of Boston. The truth that she spoke was discussed and transcended the unity of the Boston black community as pivotal. This ensured they kept each other strong, inspired, and resistant against the evils of systemic racism. The history of Boston’s black community is a history of every black community in America, which oppresses its people that continue to persevere. After we watched the film, we were able to go up to the sanctuary and view the meeting place where blacks were taught, and the floor was given to influential speakers. This included Frederick Douglass and another woman that spoke about the importance of women’s rights, civil rights, and the ending of slavery. This is also where William Lloyd Garrison formed the Abolitionist League which he spearheaded in the fight behind attempting to abolish slavery. I felt that a lot of the artifacts were preserved very well in both buildings. I also felt that the museum does take pride in showcasing these artifacts to the public and those that want to learn about black history. This is a great space to receive your own knowledge and edification. I do recommend that everyone visit the African American Museum in Boston and partake in a tour by the museum director. Everyone should learn more about the strong legacy and heritage of the black person in Boston, since black history is...

This is a really important place and topic, but here are the reasons for 3 stars instead of 5 (for context, I am a museum professional myself) Accessibility and Inclusion: there is a lift to get up and down the stairs outside and there is an elevator in the building BUT you'd need staff help with both, which isn't really inclusive. (The sign for the elevator tells you to have a staff member help you operate the elevator but if you're on the third floor, how are you supposed to find help?) When I asked about other accessibility and Inclusion features, the gentleman staff member didn't know what I meant which is already a problem. Then when I explained when they have for visitors who might e Deaf/hard of hearing or Blind/visually impaired or someone with a developmental disability, he was stumped and said "we don't have anything really....we hope visitors who are blind or deaf come with someone who can read everything for them"....NOT ACCEPTABLE They literally have nothing, no brails guides, no audio guides. And no, money is not an excuse. There are ways to create these resources through grants or minimal monetary obligation.

Exhibits: the exhibits are clearly older and very tired. Some of them have too much text on them and the font is slightly small. There are no interpretive prompts or signage that would help people think critically about what they are reading or help children decipher what is being conveyed. There's a lot of information that is hard to keep track of. Also, there is literally no interpretive aspect to the exhibits. Nothing you can touch or interact with. Again that is just laziness, not money. They could have made exhibits more interactive with minimal money needed. The tour was boring and not interactive at all after we watched a very dated movie on uncomfortable benches.

Again, the buildings are beautiful and this is an incredibly important topic and place of History but even the $10 ticket was not really worth visiting. All of it felt like an afterthought which is very...

Took the tour on a beautiful Sunday in July and highly recommend!

The museum has two historic buildings dedicated to the history of African Americans in Boston, particularly from pre-Revolution to the Abolition. The Abiel-Smith School served as a schoolhouse for black children and is now a gift shop and ticket area with an exhibit located upstairs. Currently, the exhibit is about black voices in the Revolutionary War and has a wealth of information about their contributions to America's independence in the face of horrific prejudices. A section also features information on notable black females during this time who contributed to America, Boston, and the community, especially in the fight for their freedom and others. The exhibit is equipped with technology for a more informative experience on a variety of topics.

Outside of the exhibit space, your museum admission includes a guided tour of the nearby African Meeting House that serves as the oldest surviving black church in the nation. Besides being a house of worship, the building served as a place for political activism with notable meetings and events featuring speeches and visitations by Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison on slavery and abolition. Maria Stewart also made frequent speeches here as the first African American woman to speak on issues regarding the struggles and prejudices of black people from the female perspective. You will also find an AI simulation of Frederick Douglass with accurate information for pre-entered questions and your own.

What I liked best about this museum is that it gives excellent information on black stories in Boston and their contributions to America. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. I would recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Parking is located nearby in paid spots, lots, and garages, but is easily accessible by public transportation. The buildings are equipped with elevators and are...