Boston African American National Historic Site
8 Smith Court
Boston, MA 02114-4007
Description:
Encompasses 15 pre-Civil War era structures in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, linked by the 1.6 mile Black Heritage Trail. The Trail focuses on Boston's 19th-century African American community, the school integration battles of the 1840s and 1850s, and the role that Boston played in the Abolitionist movement.
Transit Directions: 
Take the MBTA Red or Green Line and exit at Park Street Station. You will be at the corner of Park Street and Tremont Street. Turn left and follow the Freedom Trail along the path until you see the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House. Cross Beacon Street; Joy Street is to the left of the State House. Follow Joy Street for .25 mi; Smith Court will be on your left.
Driving Directions: 
Although is it possible to reach this destination by car, it is strongly suggested that visitors use public transit, due to the difficulties of driving and parking in Boston.
From the West:
1. From I-90 (Mass. Turnpike) eastbound, take Exit #18 (“Allston/Cambridge”).
2. Continue towards Cambridge/Somerville on Cambridge Street.
3. Turn right onto Soldiers Field Road, and continue onto Storrow Drive towards downtown Boston.
4. From Storrow Drive, take the “Government Center/Kendall Square/Cambridge” exit.
5. At the traffic light at the end of the exit ramp, proceed straight, following signs for “Government Center” (keep CVS on your immediate right).
6. Pass under the elevated train tracks and proceed onto Cambridge Street.
7. Turn right onto Russell Street and drive up the hill.
8. At the end of Russell Street, turn left onto Myrtle Street and drive one block.
9. Turn left onto Joy Street. Smith Court is 1/2 block ahead on the left.
From the North or South:
1. From I-93, take Exit #26 (“Storrow Drive”) and follow signs onto Storrow Drive.
2. From Storrow Drive, take the exit for Government Center.
3. At the first traffic light, enter the rotary and follow the signs for “Government Center” onto Cambridge Street.
4. Turn right onto Russell Street and drive up the hill.
5. At the end of Russell Street, turn left onto Myrtle Street and drive one block.
6. Turn left onto Joy Street. Smith Court is 1/2 block ahead on the left.
There is limited on-street parking on Cambridge Street and certain streets within Beacon Hill. (Pay attention to signposting; visitors’ cars parked in “Resident Parking Permit Only” areas will be ticketed.)
Ranger Tips: 
The Black Heritage Trail explores the history of the 19th-century free Black community of Boston. The trail consists of 14 sites and begins at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street. Self-guided tours can be conducted at any time, Monday through Sunday. Maps and site brochures can be obtained at the African Meeting House (8 Smith Court) during site hours.
Ranger-led tours are available; tours are available by appointment only during the winter season.
Travel Tips:
The site is conveniently located near three MBTA subway stations: Charles/MGH (Red Line), Park Street (Red and Green Lines), and Bowdoin (Blue Line).
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