African American Historical Sites in Boston: The Black Heritage Trail

Your family can take a self-guided tour anytime on this trail that contains sites that are related to African American history. If you can't make it in person, you can take an educational virtual tour anytime that highlights some of the sites on the Black Heritage Trail. These are some of our favorite sites to visit with kids.

1. Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial

If you've seen the movie Glory with Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew Broderick, then you know a little bit of the history of the 54^th Regiment. This Civil War monument commemorates the brave men who fought in the Massachusetts 54^th Regiment, the second African American regiment organized in the North. The monument is located across from the Massachusetts State House in Boston Common, the oldest city park in the United States.

2. Museum of African American History

Located in the Abiel Smith School, the nation's oldest public school for African-Americans, this Beacon Hill museum is a great stop to hear stories and learn about the men and women that shaped US history. Check the museum's website for admission information.

 
George Middleton House, a historic African-American home on Beacon Hill. Photo courtesy of the NPS

3. George Middleton House

George Middleton led an all-black militia troop during the American Revolutionary War and was honored by Governor John Hancock for his services. After the war, he founded the African Society. This house is the oldest standing home on Beacon Hill.

4. John J. Smith House

John J. Smith, a noted abolitionist and community leader, served as one of Boston's first Black city councilors and the second African American state representative. His daughter Elizabeth was one of the first African American teachers in Boston’s integrated public school system.

5. Lewis & Harriet Hayden House

Lewis Hayden, a Massachusetts legislator, was well-known for giving aid and shelter to self-emancipated men, women, and children at this Underground Railroad safe house.

6. Charles Street Meeting House

This house had served as the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, later serving other denominations. Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth all delivered speeches at this historic location.

 
The African Meeting House, part of the Museum of African-American History. Photo courtesy of the NPS

7. African Meeting House

Built by free African-American artisans in 1806, this building served as a church, a school, and a community meeting place. Frederick Douglass, a leading black activist and abolitionist of his time, made many speeches here.

More African American Historical Sites in Boston

8. National Center of Afro-American Artists

Dedicated to preserving and fostering awareness of African American art, this museum's exhibits include relics and reproductions from ancient Nubia. The Nubians conquered Egypt and ruled as the pharaohs of the 25^th Dynasty. The museum hosts art performances and arts education programs on a regular basis. 

 
Statue of Phyllis Wheatley, African American poet and innovator. Photo by Lorianne DiSabato, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

9. Boston Women’s Memorial

Take your kids for a stroll along this tree-lined mall, which is beautiful year-round. In the wintertime, the trees are strung with miniature lights. The park has three sculptures of prominent women from New England: First Lady Abigail Adams, Lucy Stone (abolitionist and suffragist), and Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley was the first African-American author to publish a book of poetry. One of the most unique voices of early American literature, Wheatley spoke to an emerging national identity. The memorial is located near the intersection of Gloucester St. and Commonwealth Ave.

Support Black-Owned Restaurants and Bakeries

Start the year off by exploring local neighborhood eats with your kids while also supporting black-owned businesses. Many are family-owned and operated. The list below is just a small sampling. For a more extensive list, visit bostonblackrestaurants.com for a guide to the Boston Black Restaurant Challenge, or check out Boston Eater's spreadsheet.

 
The Blue Nile's vibrant Ethiopian Cuisine is sure to delight. Photo courtesy of The Blue Nile

10. The Blue Nile

Have fun exploring Ethiopian cuisine, which generally does not require utensils to eat. You would use injera (sour fermented flatbread) to scoop up all the deliciousness.

11. Lucy Ethiopian Café

My family recently tried this cozy, casual dining spot near Boston Symphony Hall. We had the veggie rolls (red lentil stew and collard greens rolled in injera), Lega Tibs (lean beef chunks sauteed with onions and tomatoes), and chicken stew with boiled eggs—all standouts! The cafe also offers a number of vegetarian options.

 
Tuck in at Slade's, one of Boston's iconic Black-owned restaurants. Photo courtesy of sladesbarandgrill.com

12. Slade's Bar & Grill

Legendary Boston Celtic Bill Russell (Hall of Fame player and the first Black coach in the history of American professional sports) once owned this Roxbury spot. Known for hearty soul food, Slade's has hosted Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali.

13. Jamaica Mi Hungry

With restaurants, catering, and food trucks, Jamaica Mi Hungry specializes in traditional island favorites like jerk chicken and coconut shrimp; there are grilled cheese sandwiches for discriminating little palates. The counter service locations work for a bite on the go or a full dinner to take home.

14. Tipping Cow

This Somerville ice cream shop's products are 100% peanut, tree-nut, and sesame-free. Tipping Cow also offers unique flavors such as Irish stout, cannoli, and blueberry ginger ice cream. 

15. Sweet Teez Bakery

This Dorchester bakery delivers award-winning cupcakes, pies, cookies, and other treats like authentic Jamaican rum cake.

 
February is ideal for a custom cake from one of Boston's Black-owned bakeries. Photo courtesy of Sweet Tooth Boston

16. Sweet Tooth Boston

Custom cakes from Sweet Tooth in South Boston take 3 to 7 days—and you'll understand why when you see the edible artistry. 

17. Caked

Free from artificial colors or preservatives, the unique gourmet delicacies at Caked, like toaster tarts and truffle balls, come delivered to your door.

18. Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies

Clarke's uses plant-based ingredients for concocting delectable sweets. The vegan treats are available for pickup on Friday afternoons.

19. Cupcake Therapy

While most bakeries and restaurants try to accommodate food allergies, Cupcake Therapy has made it a mission. This Roslindale Square bakery has next-day pick up and delivery for its creative confections.

 
Frugal Bookstore shares a love of books with readers of all ages. Photo courtesy of the Frugal Bookstore, Facebook

Support Black-Owned Businesses in Boston

All these restaurants and businesses are open year-round so feel free to drop by anytime. For a business directory, you can refer to this spreadsheet.

20. Frugal Bookstore

This community bookstore in Roxbury has a passion for promoting literacy in local children, teens, and adults. If you can't find a book you want, the owners are happy to order it for you!

21. Little Cocoa Bean Co.

This Boston-based business offers nutrition-focussed baby essentials. The Little Cocoa Bean Co. also supports income-constrained families and non-profit companies.

 
See what the crew at Crimson Bikes has to offer your little cyclist. Photo courtesy of Crimson Bikes, Cambridge

22. Crimson Bikes

Crimson Bikes, open Friday through Tuesday, focuses on convenience and inclusion with customer-focused sales and repairs. The accessories and apparel are pretty cool too.

23. Hip Baby Gear

It's worth the trek out to Marblehead for a visit to this fun boutique with a play area for little ones.

 
Find your new favorite flavor at a Black-owned grocery. Photo courtesy of jallohafricanmarket.com

Explore African American Grocery Stores

Celebrate diversity by exploring these local neighborhood grocery stores. Make a meal with your kids using ingredients and spices from these stores:

• Jalloh African Market

• Kaba African Market

• Ramzo African Market