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African Meeting House and its collection

African Meeting House
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The African Meeting House, also known as First African Baptist Church, First Independent Baptist Church, and Belknap Street Church, is a former church building that now serves as the Museum of African American History. It is located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. This historic building has been a contributing property of the Beacon Hill Historic District since 1966 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. In 1974, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Architectural Features of the African Meeting House

The African Meeting House was completely built by black workers in 1806. The building, which measures 40 ft by 48 ft, was constructed in the Federal Style for the African Baptist Church. Its red bricks laid in Flemish bond and its four elliptical arches on the street-facing facade give it a distinct 19th-century character.

Current Use of the African Meeting House

The African Meeting House holds the distinction of being the oldest existing African American church building in the United States. Today, it serves multiple purposes as a museum, library, and archive. Visitors can explore the rich history of African Americans and their contributions to the nation.

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FRMusée d'histoire afro-américaine
ENThe Belknap Street Church
ENFirst Independent Baptist Church

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house Religion Religious building

#18 History & Anthropology in Boston #15 Historic houses in Boston #5 Religion museums in Boston #2 Religious buildings in Boston #54 History & Anthropology in Massachusetts #39 Historic houses in Massachusetts #13 Religion museums in Massachusetts #3 Religious buildings in Massachusetts #141 Religion museums in United States #41 Religious buildings in United States

#18 History & Anthropology in Boston #15 Historic houses in Boston #5 Religion museums in Boston #2 Religious buildings in Boston #54 History & Anthropology in Massachusetts #39 Historic houses in Massachusetts #13 Religion museums in Massachusetts #3 Religious buildings in Massachusetts #141 Religion museums in United States #41 Religious buildings in United States

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African Meeting House
8 Smith Ct
MA 02114 Boston
Massachusetts

Images of African Meeting House

Visitor information African Meeting House

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 16:00
Thursday
10:00 – 16:00
Friday
10:00 – 16:00
Saturday
10:00 – 16:00
Sunday
10:00 – 16:00

Admission

62+US$8.00
AdultsUS$10.00
StudentsUS$8.00

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of African Meeting House.

Location & Map

8 Smith Ct, Boston

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in African Meeting House have been found.

African Meeting House Reviews

African Meeting House has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The African Meeting House in Boston offers visitors a meaningful look into African American history. Located on Beacon Hill, this small but significant site is the oldest standing Black church building in the United States. The museum provides insight into the abolitionist movement and the African American community's struggle for equality in the 19th century.

    Visitors appreciate the well-preserved architecture and the informative exhibits that highlight the building's role in civil rights history. The knowledgeable staff and guided tours enhance the experience, offering context and stories that bring the history to life. Many find the connection to notable figures like Frederick Douglass particularly engaging.

    However, some visitors note that the museum is quite small, which can lead to a relatively brief visit. The limited space also means that exhibit content may feel somewhat constrained. Additionally, accessibility can be an issue for some, as the historic nature of the building means steep stairs and narrow passages.

    Despite its size, most visitors find the African Meeting House to be a worthwhile stop for those interested in American history, particularly African American history and the abolitionist movement. The museum's historical significance often outweighs its physical limitations in the eyes of many visitors.

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