Now more than ever, one of the most important places in Boston for remembering ideas about equality, black and brown people’s fight for it through history and at something point in the future, gatherings to preserve all the things that make this country truly great.

Loved this history! Ranger Mike did a phenomenal job presenting this important history. It was amazing to see the space and check out the jazz exhibit they currently have going. The drawback is that the sign is off the street so it is easy to miss and there is no parking onsite.

Small museum but absolutely an awesome experience. William, our park ranger, gave a great lecture of the meeting hall and its significance. He is very passionate about history and it was great listening to him. Definitely recommend!

Make sure you plan a quick stop here! Important history, great tour of the African Meeting House.

I felt the presence of Frederick Douglas In The Building.

Small and beautiful museum, suitable for historical enthusiasts, to avoid the cold and idle.The National Park Management narrator was very knowledgeable and took a lesson on the history of the revolution in African Americans.The entrance to the museum and the basement space used to be the first black elementary school in the country. The interior cannot be photographed. It is Black Month. The Friedrich Douglas special exhibition is on display. The black people who left the most photos during the American Revolution.The important meeting place from the 1800s to the present was originally a church and community activities, and historically important black declarations and revolutions took place here. After many years, the large-area floor was transported in small parts because of regulations in 1832. The original row of chairs was retained. There are special numbers on the back. The walls on the back also retain the appearance of the original wall. section.Stepping on the footsteps of predecessors, imagine the reactionary awakening consciousness of the crowd in different periods, the anecdotes of the story convey blood and hope.

$30 with parking! . 2 people Our guide 0 personality rushes through a very scripted spiel. Honestly, nothing hands on. No multimedia presentation, etc.

It was nice but very small. The jazz photo exhibit was beautiful. The second floor only had a mural type display of copies of billboards. A bit boring. Walking through the entire museum only took us about 10 minutes.

In a prominent and noteworthy location, I was very impressed to learn more about the struggles we black people faced in the area, the difference we made and the significant impact on Afro American history. A worthwhile visit that I would highly recommend.

The Frederick Douglass exhibit is well curated and informative. It is a small museum but worth the visit.

Very disappointed. The museum should really be titled The History of Jazz in Boston. Very interesting for what it covered, but simply wasnt worth the $10 entrance fee. A selection of photos and prints of Jazz is not worth that. Felt very disappointed. Did enjoy what we read, but not worth it

Wonderful docent regaled us with Bostons African American history as intertwined with these two historic bldgs. There is a great jazz photography exhibit there now, two

A great museum. Such a gem in the middle of the neighborhood. Historic and absolutley humbling.

The meetinghouse was my favourite part! Very educational and worth a visit. The Frederick Douglas exhibit was informational but not as in depth to overall African American history as I had hoped. Also, the place is very hard to find if youre not looking for it.

It expresses everything beautiful about Black peoples challenges and strength. It reminds us that our work is not done and there is more to do especially to carry the legacy of those who have fought for our freedom and rights in the United States of America.

I learned a lot from the half hour talk by a NPS ranger. There were also two great jazz exhibits.

The museum itself is very small, but the tour of the meeting house is amazing. In the summer there is a guided walking tour of historical black Boston

Very knowledgeable staff/rangers (as usual). Moving and educational video. Excellent gift store. Cannot wait to bring my kid here later.

A waste of money. 2 floors of pictures of Jazz musicians that can probably be found on the net. We were told about going across the street to a church for the history part but we were so disappointed with the hat was claimed to be a “museum” that we didn’t even bother. Save your money and just search the internet. Nothing special to see there.

We booked the community room in the Black History Museum for a brunch reception the day before our wedding. It proved the perfect backdrop to welcome family and friends to our weekend celebration, and to introduce our out-of-town guests to the rich history and culture of black Richmond. Heather Anderson and her team were incredibly accommodating and hospitable. She was a dream to work with throughout the planning process, and even served as a greeter, personally welcoming every attendee at the entrance of the museum. We were completely blown away by the warmth, kindness, and generosity shown to us by the staff during our reception, and we look forward to hosting our next event at this venue in the near future. It’s a true gem of Richmond, and a Virginian treasure!

I wish I could’ve seen this museum. There were street signs, and good reviews. There was a note on the door saying they were closing at 3:30pm and I was there at 3:00pm, it was locked. A member or owner not sure informed us there wasn’t really anything in there to offer to show us!! They didn’t have any exhibits until later in the month even though I could clearly see items through the window. He was in a rush because he had other obligations to set up for a meeting. I am from PA and was only in the area for the day... very disappointing representation of this establishment :(

The architecture here is simply just beautiful and a beautiful part out history too. It was a very educational tour and went into great depth into African American history

My experience at the museum was delightful on many levels. The Frederick Douglass Exhibit was well laid out and very informative.

Ecellant small collection of period artifacts. If you do not know the story and people of the Boston massacre you can get a good overview here. I recommend this place for both children an adults. Cost was about 12 dollars for adults and takes about 90 minutes

Great small museum can go through in a hour

I was in awe to be in this place to free Slave, Church Services, and keeping people of color safe.

Very nice small museum. Nothing interactive, but a good temporarily exhibit on Boston jazz

I think every kid in Boston should come here and learn more about American history. this side of our history is never told and we should do better. thank god for museums like this one

Small museum, but it plays a huge role into American History, not just African American. Had one amazing experience, learned a great deal

The museum, housed in a well-maintained former schoolhouse, consists of two floors of special exhibitions on African American history. When we visited, the exhibitions are all dedicated to Frederick Douglass. It was great, especially after having previously visited his gravesite at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester. Its unusual though that they dont allow photos in those exhibitions, when most museums do.They offer a guided tour of the historic African Meeting House next door, which is included in the admission fee. Allot at least an hour for both the museum and guided tour.Interestingly, the two sites at this location (i.e, the schoolhouse called Abiel Smith School and the African Meeting House) are the only ones you can visit along the Black Heritage Trail. The other sites are all private property and off-limits to visitors, although you can take pictures from the outside.

Unfortunately the museum was being renovated, but learning the history of the African American culture and its people was amazing.Make sure you do the tour before you check the museum.

Wonderful staff. Cute little museum with a lot of history. There was a school group there while I was visiting and I think they did a very good job with that school group.

Really interesting story, and amazing and knowledgeable guides. The whole story revolves around the church that has been used by Baptist African-Americans, and Jewish immigrants. If you want to enjoy the history of the town, and be open to learning something you didn’t know this is the place. If you’re looking for artifacts or a self-guided tour, you might be disappointed. The best way to enjoy the museum, is by asking the guides as they Extremely knowledgeable on the history of the African-American community and how it ties in to church.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history and relevance of the museum. Had a great time well worth an couple hours of your time

There is lots of unique things

Comfortable museum detailing the work and life of Frederick Douglas. Highly recommend the tour for unknown facts of the African American experience in Boston and the beginnings of Beacon Hill. Staff is very friendly and the gift shop has eye-catching curiosities.

Very disappointing. I was expecting to hear a rich history of African Americans in the Boston area. Instead, the museum consists of photos of Frederick Douglas. Very few facts. And one floor was dedicated to the facts about the photographers of Mr. Douglas!

I didn’t hate this place, just couldn’t get in because the website is WRONG.They have a little sign at the bottom of the stairs saying they are CLOSED July 4 and 5.

Small museum with knowledgeable and friendly staff. I learned lots about the African Americans of Beacon Hill and enjoyed the historic setting of the museum (beautifully preserved historic school and meeting house). My only complaint is that the National Park service needs to fund this museum better. A great exhibit on the life and portraits of Frederick Douglass, but I was disappointed at the lack of actual portraits and other artifacts. The park service should procure more original works for its exhibits because it deserves it!

The Muesum lacked information and guidance. The third floor lighting wasnt on. It also lacked upkeep. The African Meeting House was great. The guide was great and informative. It had great acoustics too! It was interesting and had a great energy there.

Our Alighieri Montessori school attended their program and it was amazing! We learned so much. Great staff!

Beautiful. Emotional. Insightful.

Went on free admission day and enjoyed learning about the history of African Americans in Boston. The actual museum exhibit area is small, but the church next door has a guided tour which is very informative.

This was a pleasant experience. It was kind of out of the way, up a hill, and I was confused getting there, but after that it was pleasant.

Great place to learn about the tunnels ,trails and people . The history in the museum in the museum is mind boggling when you learn what the great black folks went through. My hereos...

Excellent condition and great provider of historical resource.

My son and I visited the museum and were surprised to be subjected to the rude welcome by the staff. The employees seemed to be annoyed that we were there. As this was our first trip to this museum, we will try again, but first impressions are not so good.

I want to give this musuem a 5star based on the merit of the rarity of a musuem being about African American and black history.... however this can barely be seen as a musuem. This musuem discusses the work of Frederick Douglass, but it holds a view of a white view point and is shaped in the way of educating on basic to that population instead moving forward the black culture and narrative. The tour of the African Meeting House was educational but they the speaker talked about the events was also in a way of the view point of white narratives and clearly memorized with no empathy or connection to the history felt. I hope they find a African American curator to change tone of the museum and expand more and deeper on the African American history in Boston and Massachusetts.

Good place to take your family

The guides can be great but the exhibitions are in bad shape

The exhibit of Frederick Douglass photographs is definitely worth the visit!

Interesting worth the trip.

I don’t like this place is not friendly

Great history on F Douglass and Underground Railroad!

Difficult to find. Parking is difficult as well.

Not a lot to see & I got more information from the NPS freedom walk.

Fascinating and important museum of Boston and the US political and social history. Good information and explanation provided by guides, and friendly and welcoming desk staff.

Worth a visit. Great informative staff however lacks authentic artefacts

Under construction. Showed no exhibits.

Beautiful place.

Dont miss this. If you visit Beacon Hill, come here. Learn how historic currents of expanding freedoms swelled from this little neighborhood.

Super interesting and doesnt take a long time to see.

Very intriguing the life of one Frederick Douglas

We really enjoyed the tour!

Small but informative and engaging.

One of the best museums Ive ever visited. Just be sure to wake up early and get a free ticket online to get in. Ticket distribution starts daily at 6:30.

Very interesting

Should be more POCs working in the museum... otherwise it is a powerful experience

Best place to see historical things of America

Small but extremely interesting and powerful exhibitions. Well worth a visit

Rich history

Great place to vizit, very informative.

Its the go-to place to learn about Frederick Douglass - a few other key events but mainly, Frederick Douglass.

It should be called the Frederick Douglass museum. They totally disregarded all other black folks in history. Shame! The African Meeting House and the Heritage Trail were the only reasons I didnt give a 1 star.

Great experience, Great information & Great history . . . a little hard to find

Very very informative!!!! A must visit!!!!!

Great exhibits.

Historical

Beautiful.

Loved it

Surprisingly small, and the content was disappointing, but the guide was fantastic and brought it to life.

Omg I loved this place