Freedom Trail Celebrates Black History Month with African-American Patriots Tour

The Freedom Trail Foundation is celebrating Black History Month with tours led by 18th century costumed guides that will allow visitors to view history through the eyes of revolutionary figures like Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Prince Hall, Peter Salem, and others.

Starting Saturday, this unique 90-minute walking tour will tell stories of the bravery, great risk and defiance by black Bostonians.

The tour zigzags through the Freedom Trail and concludes at the Museum of African American History on Beacon Hill.

While at the museum, visitors will see the oldest African Meeting House in the country and the Abiel Smith School, the first building in the U.S. constructed as solely a black public school.

The Abiel Smith School features galleries of rotating exhibits, a museum store and hourly-guided tours.

“African-American patriots and the roles they played in America’s history and their contributions to our country are important,” the Foundation’s executive director Suzanne Taylor said. “Experiencing their exciting stories told along Boston’s Freedom Trail and at the Museum of African American History is an excellent way for visitors and residents alike to celebrate them.”

Each Saturday in February, the museum will introduce Patriots’ Tour participants the “Freedom Rising” exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and Massachusetts 54th Glory Regiment, the first black troops from the north in the Civil War.

Admission to the Museum is $5 for adults,$3 for teens age 13 to 17 and seniors (62 and up), and free to MAAH members, children 12 years and under and Boston Public School students.

All Patriots’ Tour ticket holders will receive a 10% discount coupon to the Museum Store.

The tour will be offered Saturday through Sunday 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. at the Boston Common.

Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and students, and $7 for children under 12 and can be purchased at TheFreedomTrail.org or the Boston Common Visitor Information Center.

For information about other events celebrating Black History month and questions, call 617-357-8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org.

For more on the Museum’s lectures, concerts, exhibits and programs, call 617-725-0022 ext. 222 or visit maah.org.