Museum of African American History, Boston

On Beacon Hill’s north slope, the Museum of African American History preserves two buildings that tell how Boston’s Black community organised its life and fought for freedom: the African Meeting House, built in 1806, and the Abiel Smith School, opened in 1835. The first served as a church, school and meeting place; both buildings are part of the national historic site and the Black Heritage Trail. Exhibitions place education, faith and the struggle against slavery within New England history.

Comments often highlight the power of the history and the guides’ ability to connect the rooms with the people who built and used them. The museum asks visitors to reserve a timed ticket; current general-admission hours are Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Tuesday and Wednesday are for groups and private visits. The self-guided Black Heritage Trail can be followed year-round; ranger tours are seasonal and some visits outside the season require reservations.

The visitor entrance is at 46 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108; the phone number for group bookings is (617) 725-0022. The Black Heritage Trail links ten sites over about 1.5 miles, but most are private homes that cannot be entered. You can start at the 54th Regiment memorial in Boston Common and walk uphill towards Joy Street, or begin by the museum. It is a significant history walk and also a residential street: respect residents’ privacy and check the calendar before planning your visit.