MAAH is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. Nestled on Boston’s Beacon Hill and at Nantucket’s Five Corners are some of the nation’s most important National Historic Landmarks.
The Museum’s two campuses feature the earliest churches and schools still standing in the land that were built by and for black communities. Each is beautifully restored and worthy of any journey. Our historic sites, talks, tours, videos, collections, and programs are rooted in the past and connected to the present. From the American Revolution to the Abolitionist and Niagara Movements, experience
The Museum’s two campuses feature the earliest churches and schools still standing in the land that were built by and for black communities. Each is beautifully restored and worthy of any journey. Our historic sites, talks, tours, videos, collections, and programs are rooted in the past and connected to the present. From the American Revolution to the Abolitionist and Niagara Movements, experience
Operating as usual
The Museum is CLOSED today in observance of the holiday. We will be open tomorrow at 10:00am. Reserve your tickets here: https://evergreen.humanitru.com/web/campaigns/museum-of-african-american-history~still-making-american-history?attend=tag:boston+location
Find and explore more about this partner organization!
The 22nd Annual Living Legend Awards Are Back! With Host Anthony Anderson. Join Us on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 4:00 PM In-Person / 4:30 PM Virtually
We were excited to host Professor Radhakrishnan's class from Wellesley College last week! Thank you all for coming. Schedule your next class visit via our online portal: https://www.maah.org/education
We were excited to host Professor Radhakrishnan's class from Wellesley College last week! Thank you all for coming. Schedule your next class visit via our online portal: https://www.maah.org/education
Since we rotate exhibits, our exhibit space is always changing. This #TransformationTuesday, check out our transformed gallery from “Picturing Frederick Douglass” (bottom) to “The Jazz Scene in Boston: Telling the Local Story” (top) on display now!
Since we rotate exhibits, our exhibit space is always changing. This #TransformationTuesday, check out our transformed gallery from “Picturing Frederick Douglass” (bottom) to “The Jazz Scene in Boston: Telling the Local Story” (top) on display now!
The Living Legends Gala is back, with celebrity Host —Anthony Anderson, back by popular demand, at the city's newest hot spot, The Newbury Boston. We’re one month away from our annual Living Legends Awards!
Be sure to get your ticket here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/llg experience the compelling stories of the past and present, inspire pride, and continue the legacy of equality for all.
The Living Legends Gala is back, with celebrity Host —Anthony Anderson, back by popular demand, at the city's newest hot spot, The Newbury Boston. We’re one month away from our annual Living Legends Awards!
Be sure to get your ticket here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/llg experience the compelling stories of the past and present, inspire pride, and continue the legacy of equality for all.
The abolition of the slave trade in 1808 was an occasion for celebration within Boston's black community and others. Jedidiah Morse was a white pastor from Charlestown, who was invited by the black community to take part in their celebration, which included a procession of over two hundred people to the African Meeting House, where this sermon was delivered. The African Society, an organization which had been established in 1796, organized a committee to see to the publication of Rev. Morse's sermon following the event.
This object is on display in our current “Selections from the Collection” exhibit.
The abolition of the slave trade in 1808 was an occasion for celebration within Boston's black community and others. Jedidiah Morse was a white pastor from Charlestown, who was invited by the black community to take part in their celebration, which included a procession of over two hundred people to the African Meeting House, where this sermon was delivered. The African Society, an organization which had been established in 1796, organized a committee to see to the publication of Rev. Morse's sermon following the event.
This object is on display in our current “Selections from the Collection” exhibit.
#OnThisDay in 1820, John J. Smith was born free in Richmond, Virginia. At age 28, Smith moved to Boston, where he set up a barber shop on the corner of Howard and Bulfinch Streets. His shop became a gathering place for self-liberated people and abolitionists. During the Civil War, Smith worked in Washington D.C. as a recruitment officer for the all-black 5th Cavalry. After the war, Smith was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives three times.
His home is on the Black Heritage Trail and his portrait is currently hanging in our “Selections from the Collection” exhibit!
#OnThisDay in 1820, John J. Smith was born free in Richmond, Virginia. At age 28, Smith moved to Boston, where he set up a barber shop on the corner of Howard and Bulfinch Streets. His shop became a gathering place for self-liberated people and abolitionists. During the Civil War, Smith worked in Washington D.C. as a recruitment officer for the all-black 5th Cavalry. After the war, Smith was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives three times.
His home is on the Black Heritage Trail and his portrait is currently hanging in our “Selections from the Collection” exhibit!
TOMORROW is the Boston Mayoral Election. Be sure to get out and vote!
TOMORROW is the Boston Mayoral Election. Be sure to get out and vote!
Save the date for our annual Living Legends Gala on December 5th! Tickets and More: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/llg
Join us on December 5 for the Living Legends Gala at The Newbury Boston.
This military sleeve button was found in the 44 Joy Street privy. The button features an eagle perched atop and anchor with 13 stars surrounding. This matches regulation dress for naval officers in 1813, meaning this button could be associated with the War of 1812. While we cannot identify the owner with certainty, Robert Curry is listed as a tenant at 44 Joy Street from 1826 to 1828, and identified as a mariner, which was one of the most common occupations for African Americans in antebellum Boston.
Thank you for following our posts this #MAArchaeologyMonth! We hope you learned something about the archaeology of our sites on Joy St. Special thanks to @umassboston for their help uncovering these great artifacts!
This military sleeve button was found in the 44 Joy Street privy. The button features an eagle perched atop and anchor with 13 stars surrounding. This matches regulation dress for naval officers in 1813, meaning this button could be associated with the War of 1812. While we cannot identify the owner with certainty, Robert Curry is listed as a tenant at 44 Joy Street from 1826 to 1828, and identified as a mariner, which was one of the most common occupations for African Americans in antebellum Boston.
Thank you for following our posts this #MAArchaeologyMonth! We hope you learned something about the archaeology of our sites on Joy St. Special thanks to @umassboston for their help uncovering these great artifacts!
This advertisement published in “The Liberator” #OnThisDay lets readers know of a lecture on the fallacy of Phrenology at the Smith School House. Phrenology is “the study of the conformation of the skull as indicative of mental faculties and traits of character” and was used to justify the enslavement of African Americans.
This advertisement published in “The Liberator” #OnThisDay lets readers know of a lecture on the fallacy of Phrenology at the Smith School House. Phrenology is “the study of the conformation of the skull as indicative of mental faculties and traits of character” and was used to justify the enslavement of African Americans.
Our Collections team is back from working on the storage optimization project on Nantucket! We received a part two to our last grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Thank you IMLS for allowing us to do this necessary project. #ACK
Our Collections team is back from working on the storage optimization project on Nantucket! We received a part two to our last grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Thank you IMLS for allowing us to do this necessary project. #ACK
We’re learning more and more about Florence Higginbotham as we continue our storage optimization project on Nantucket! It seems that Ms. Higginbotham read tea leaves. We found this rare 1890s fine bone chine fortune telling cup on Nantucket!
A vulcanized (hardened with sulfur) rubber comb was found in the 44 Joy Street privy (outhouse) during our 2006 archaeology project preparing for the renovation of the African Meeting House. The comb likely dates to the late 1850s or 1860s. #MAArchaeologyMonth
A vulcanized (hardened with sulfur) rubber comb was found in the 44 Joy Street privy (outhouse) during our 2006 archaeology project preparing for the renovation of the African Meeting House. The comb likely dates to the late 1850s or 1860s. #MAArchaeologyMonth
This is a picture of the Abiel Smith School basement in 1990. Though this picture is a little hard to see, you can tell there have been dramatic changes in the last 30 years.
This is a picture of the Abiel Smith School basement in 1990. Though this picture is a little hard to see, you can tell there have been dramatic changes in the last 30 years.
#ThrowbackThursday to the 30th anniversary celebration of Boston African American National Historic Site (BOAF) back in 2010. Here, all the presenters including Former MAAH Executive Directors Beverly Morgan-Welch & Byron Rushing, Carmen Fields, Charles Dutton, and others!
Image Courtesy of Craig Bailey
#ThrowbackThursday to the 30th anniversary celebration of Boston African American National Historic Site (BOAF) back in 2010. Here, all the presenters including Former MAAH Executive Directors Beverly Morgan-Welch & Byron Rushing, Carmen Fields, Charles Dutton, and others!
Image Courtesy of Craig Bailey
Join us this Saturday!
Join us this Saturday!
Last week the Boston Business Journal announced their “Power 50” list. This year the list is “The Movement Makers” and features MAAH President & CEO Leon Wilson.
Last week the Boston Business Journal announced their “Power 50” list. This year the list is “The Movement Makers” and features MAAH President & CEO Leon Wilson.
Here two members of the archaeological crew measure on site at the Boston African Meeting House excavation in 2005. #ArchaeologyMonth
Here two members of the archaeological crew measure on site at the Boston African Meeting House excavation in 2005. #ArchaeologyMonth
William Wells Brown published a book entitled “The Black Man: His Antecedents, His Genius, and His Achievements” in 1863. In the preface it states “If this work shall aid in vindicating the Negro’s character, and show that he is endowed with those intellectual and amiable qualities which adorn and dignify human nature, it will meet the most sanguine hopes of the writer.” This except is from the chapter on John S. Rock.
William Wells Brown published a book entitled “The Black Man: His Antecedents, His Genius, and His Achievements” in 1863. In the preface it states “If this work shall aid in vindicating the Negro’s character, and show that he is endowed with those intellectual and amiable qualities which adorn and dignify human nature, it will meet the most sanguine hopes of the writer.” This except is from the chapter on John S. Rock.
TONIGHT: The MAAH Stone Book Award! Join us at our Virtual Award Event @ 6:30pm ET as we celebrate this year's award winner and finalists. Register: http://bit.ly/MAAHStone2021
TONIGHT: The MAAH Stone Book Award! Join us at our Virtual Award Event @ 6:30pm ET as we celebrate this year's award winner and finalists. Register: http://bit.ly/MAAHStone2021
John S. Rock was born free in Elsinboro Township in New Jersey. Rock worked as a teacher, a dentist, a lawyer, and a physician. Throughout his life, Rock was an eloquent supporter of social justice and community building. Rock participated in Boston’s abolitionist endeavors as a physician treating self-liberated newcomers to the city; as an orator presenting keynote addresses at the 1858 and 1860 Crispus Attucks Day celebrations and at Tremont Temple while Bostonians awaited the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863; and as a petitioner for and recruiter of black Civil War regiments. Rock died of tuberculosis in Boston in 1866 leaving behind a young son.
John S. Rock was born free in Elsinboro Township in New Jersey. Rock worked as a teacher, a dentist, a lawyer, and a physician. Throughout his life, Rock was an eloquent supporter of social justice and community building. Rock participated in Boston’s abolitionist endeavors as a physician treating self-liberated newcomers to the city; as an orator presenting keynote addresses at the 1858 and 1860 Crispus Attucks Day celebrations and at Tremont Temple while Bostonians awaited the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863; and as a petitioner for and recruiter of black Civil War regiments. Rock died of tuberculosis in Boston in 1866 leaving behind a young son.
In two days, we will be celebrating the winner and finalists of the MAAH Stone Book Award! Join us virtually at 6:30pm on October 14. We are so excited to honor our winner Daphne A. Brooks and finalists Dan Royles & Walter Johnson! Register: http://bit.ly/MAAHStone2021
Join the Museum of African American History and the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation, in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate for the 2021 MAAH Stone Book Award Virtual Event. Hosted by Callie Crossley, host of GBH’s Under the Radar, the event will...
The Museum of African American History is CLOSED today. We will be open at 10am tomorrow.
The Museum of African American History is CLOSED today. We will be open at 10am tomorrow.
Common early-19th-century wares include pearlware, creamware, stoneware, redware, and porcelain, all of which were found at the Meeting House. Many hand-painted wares and some porcelain indicate that this is a high-end assemblage—perhaps a testimony to the economic position of the Meeting House.
Common early-19th-century wares include pearlware, creamware, stoneware, redware, and porcelain, all of which were found at the Meeting House. Many hand-painted wares and some porcelain indicate that this is a high-end assemblage—perhaps a testimony to the economic position of the Meeting House.
William Still was born free #OnThisDay in 1821. In 1847, Still found a job as a janitor and clerk for the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery. Shortly after that, he became an Underground Railroad conductor, assisting self-liberated people to find freedom. William Still is best known for his self-published book The Underground Railroad (1872) where he documented the stories of those who had self-emancipated themselves from the bo***ge of slavery. The Underground Railroad is the only first person account of Black activities on the Underground Railroad written and self-published by an African American. The book is now seen as one of the most important historical records to date and includes the stories of Henry “Box” Brown and Ellen and William Craft.
William Still was born free #OnThisDay in 1821. In 1847, Still found a job as a janitor and clerk for the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery. Shortly after that, he became an Underground Railroad conductor, assisting self-liberated people to find freedom. William Still is best known for his self-published book The Underground Railroad (1872) where he documented the stories of those who had self-emancipated themselves from the bo***ge of slavery. The Underground Railroad is the only first person account of Black activities on the Underground Railroad written and self-published by an African American. The book is now seen as one of the most important historical records to date and includes the stories of Henry “Box” Brown and Ellen and William Craft.
Congrats to our own L’Merchie Frazier, who was selected as one of the sixteen recipients of the Boston Foundation Brother Thomas Fellowship! The award is given every other year to “support and celebrate a diverse group of Greater Boston artists working at a high level of excellence in a range of disciplines—the visual, performing, literary, media and craft arts—and to enhance their ability to thrive and create new work.”
Congrats to our own L’Merchie Frazier, who was selected as one of the sixteen recipients of the Boston Foundation Brother Thomas Fellowship! The award is given every other year to “support and celebrate a diverse group of Greater Boston artists working at a high level of excellence in a range of disciplines—the visual, performing, literary, media and craft arts—and to enhance their ability to thrive and create new work.”
Timeline Photos
Join us at our Virtual Award Event on October 14th @ 6:30pm ET as we celebrate the 4th Winner of the MAAH Stone Book Award, Dr. Daphne Brooks' 'Liner Notes for the Revolution'. Register now! bit.ly/MAAHStone2021
46 Joy St
Boston, MA
02114
Admission: Adults- $10 Youth (13-17) and Seniors (62+)- $8 Members and Children 12 and under- Free Group rate (20+ people)- $3.50 per person in group Hours: Mondays-Saturdays 10AM-4PM Twitter: https://twitter.com/MAAHMuseum Instagram: https://instagram.com/maahmuseum/
| Monday | 10am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 4pm |
| Friday | 10am - 4pm |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Museum of African American History - Boston and Nantucket posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Museum of African American History - Boston and Nantucket:
Join us and WGBH Forum Network on June 25th for a discussion with architect Marsha Fader about the preservation work on the Boston-HigginBotham House on Nantucket. Hosted by Sylvia Stevens-Edouard, Chair, Museum of African American History. Register here: https://wgbh.zoom.us/webinar/register/4115924951371/WN_q0_q5MLcSmW5BhQwX808SQ
Tonight! Register here: https://wgbh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_21DtSxeTTOCERbczOIlj4Q
Join us and WGBH Forum Network for a panel discussion TOMORROW! Register: https://wgbh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_21DtSxeTTOCERbczOIlj4Q
Q&A with our esteemed artists!
Our John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars are presenting at the Robert Gould Shaw and the MA 54th Regiment Memorial!
Check out this video from the first Jazz Before Sunset concert on June 30th! Thank you to everyone who came out, we hope you enjoyed the show. The series continues at the African Meeting House on Nantucket on Saturday, July 28th. Hosted by Kathy and Neville Richen, the concert series will feature popular musicians like-- Nigel Goss (bass), ECliff Graves (drums), Aidan Sherry (guitar), Jason Sullivan (guitar) and friends taking the stage. Concerts will take place the last Saturday of every month May thru October at the African Meeting House. Please join us and bring friends and family to enjoy a delightful evening with this spirited jazz quartet. You don’t want to miss a chance to experience live music in this space! Admission by donation; suggested donation: $10 #ACK
Check out this poem the amazingly, talented poet, Regie Gibson, wrote about the African Meeting House! This video was first shown at our Annual Living Legends Awards Gala last year.
Check out this acrostic poem our John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars made as the opening to their Black Heritage Trail poetry video! They chose words that they felt described Black History
#TBT to Regie Gibson at the African Meeting House in July! For this performance, Regie performed spoken word inspired by the African Meeting House. September 28th, Regie will return and perform alongside Castle of our Skins in Black Orators: By Word and By Pen. Get your tickets today: http://ow.ly/ybJC30ezMfw
The Museum of African American History inspires all generations to embrace and interpret the authentic stories of New Englanders of African descent, and those who found common cause with them, in their quest for freedom and justice. Through its historic buildings, collections, and programs, the Museum expands cultural understanding and promotes dignity and respect for all. .
Congregational Library & Archives
14 Beacon St Ste 206William Hickling Prescott House
55 Beacon StNew England Holocaust Memorial
126 High StreetThe Printing Office of Edes & Gill
Faneuil HallAncient and Honorable Artillery Company of Ma
4 Faneuil Hall Sq
William Hickling Prescott House
55 Beacon St