Freedom Trail Celebrates Black History Month

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African-American patriots played a vital role in the formation of our country and the start of the American Revolution in Boston. In honor of these heroes, the Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African-American Patriots Tour celebrates them and their accomplishments during Black History Month in February on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, visitors have the opportunity to view history through the eyes of revolutionary figures such as Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Prince Hall, Peter Salem, and others.

Beginning Sunday, February 1, this unique tour takes visitors through historic events of the American Revolution and highlights the many contributions of African-Americans. Captivating tales of bravery, great risk, and defiance by black Bostonians unfold during the 90-minute walking tour, zigzagging through the Freedom Trail and encouraging visitors to continue the journey with our friends at the Museum of African American History (MAAH) in Boston and Nantucket.  At the Boston campus on Beacon Hill, visitors will experience the oldest African Meeting House in the United States and the Abiel Smith School, the nation’s first public school built for the sole purpose of educating black children. The school now anchors the campus to its 46 Joy Street address and features galleries of rotating exhibits, a museum store, and hourly guided tours led by interpretive rangers of the National Park Service Boston African American National Historic Site (BOAF).  The adjacent African Meeting House is the last stop on the Museum’s Black Heritage Trail®.

On Saturdays in February, the Museum offers a bonus to Freedom Trail Patriots’ Tour participants. In addition to welcoming everyone to the National Historic Landmarks at the center of the Abolitionist Movement; offering hourly tours of the African Meeting House led by BOAF rangers; and introducing the current exhibit and related programming — Freedom Rising: Reading, Writing and Publishing Black Books, celebrating the rich tradition of African American literature — all Patriots’ Tour ticket holders will receive a 10% discount coupon to the Museum Store.  MAAH admission is $5 for adults; $3 for teens (13 – 17) and seniors (62+); and free to MAAH members, children 12 years and under, and Boston Public School students.

“The Freedom Trail will continue to share history and the invaluable contributions of African-American patriots on this special tour,” said Suzanne Taylor, the Foundation’s executive director.  “Visiting Boston’s Freedom Trail and the Museum of African American History is an excellent way for visitors, students, and residents to celebrate Black History Month.”

Ideal for groups, schools, residents and those visiting the city, the 90-minute African-American Patriots Tours will be regularly offered Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m. throughout February, and are available year-round for schools or private groups by reservation.  All tours begin at the Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston Common, and affordable tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $8 for children under 12.  Tickets may be purchased online at TheFreedomTrail.org or the Boston Common Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont Street.  Other events and programs celebrating Black History Month are held at Freedom Trail sites along the Trail and at the Museum of African American History.   For information regarding Freedom Trail events and programs, tickets, reservations, group rates or questions, please call 617.357.8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org.  For more on the Museum’s lectures, concerts, exhibits and programs, call 617.725.0022 extension 22 or visit maah.org.