Upcoming Events
Celebrate Black History Month 365. Know the past, shape the future. See more events.
- Jun 20, 2026
- 10:00 am–3:00 pm
- 27 York Street
Juneteenth Block Party on Nantucket
Nantucket, MA
- Jun 24, 2026
- 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
- 46 Joy Street
The Sound of Faith and Freedom: From Spirituals to Gospels
Boston, MAUncover the history of Boston’s gospel music tradition with Dr. Leland Clarke! Dr. Clarke’s lecture will highlight the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these musical forms within Boston’s Black communities and historic congregations. Experience a sonic time capsule of gospel music through selected recordings that bring Dr. Clarke’s lecture to life!
The presentation offers insight into the ways these traditions have shaped American music and continue to influence artists and audiences across generations.
- Jun 26, 2026
- 10:00 am–11:00 am
- 27 York Street
Mini Mariners with Raye Montague
Nantucket, MADesigned for younger audiences and families, this program introduces the life and legacy of pioneering naval engineer Raye Montague, the first person to design a U.S. Navy ship using a computer. Through interactive activities and storytelling, participants explore themes of innovation, perseverance, and maritime history, drawing inspiration from Montague’s groundbreaking achievements. The Egan Maritime Institute co-presents this event.
Explore the Museum & Get Connected
Celebrate Black History Month 365. Know the past, shape the future.
Connect to inspiring, authentic representations of life in the 18th and 19th centuries — in a unique place where Black communities organized and advanced the cause of freedom.
Boston Location
The African Meeting House, a registered National Historic Landmark, and Abiel Smith School on Beacon Hill were built in the early 1800s and are two of the museum's most valuable assets. Located steps away from the Massachusetts State House.
Nantucket Location
Explore our Nantucket campus, which features two historic sites, the African Meeting House and the Florence Higginbotham House. These buildings were at the center of a thriving nineteenth-century African American community on the island.
We understand the importance of remembering our history.
Welcome to The Museum of African American History! We are New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. In Boston and Nantucket, the Museum has preserved two historic sites and two Black Heritage Trails® that tell the story of organized Black communities from the Colonial Period through the 19th century. Exhibits, programs, and education activities at the Museum showcase the powerful stories of Black families who worshipped, educated their children, debated the issues of the day, produced great art, organized politically and advanced the cause of freedom.
"In every human Breast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance."
Plan Your Visit
Reserve Your Ticket
Choose a date, reserve your ticket, and learn something new every time you visit.
Experience the Museum (Virtually)
Explore exhibits, sign-up for a customized talk or schedule a tour, and discover the stories of courageous Americans on a guided walking tour of the Museum’s Black Heritage Trails®.
Leave Inspired & Empowered
Continue the conversation and share the authentic stories of New Englanders of African descent, and those who found common cause with them, in their quest for freedom and justice.
"For over 200 years, the African Meeting House has served as one of the nation’s most important and influential centers of cultural and political discourse around racial equality. Today, the Museum of African American History invokes this important history—in the very place it happened—to open new conversations around racial equity... and expand its narrative of Black and other social justice activists. … and underscore how their courage, as they united across race and class in the struggle for human rights, ushered in modern democracy."
Become a Member Today
Your vital contribution supports the Museum's education programs, research and exhibitions, and historic preservation of some of the nation's most important National Historic Landmarks throughout the year. Join us as we continue to make American history.