Black History and Boston

You know what words I like? Heritage and Legacy. One describes an understanding of where you’ve been, or at least of the people and events behind you that led to who you are. The other describes something left behind, either for you, or by you. I know neither are something most students sit and ponder for much of the day. But they should certainly figure in to student travel and educational tours.

Black history tours are some of our most popular along these lines. African-Americans have had an intense journey as US citizens. All US citizens come from a long line of independent thinkers and fighters of freedom. But for black Americans, that fight hit its peak in much more recent history. Students of black history are often very familiar with the stateside heritage of black Americans even before they travel. But how much more will that heritage come alive when they visit the places where civil rights heroes were birthed, the places where they spoke to thousands or to the places where African-Americans built churches, schools, and businesses that gave black Americans a place in the New World as well.

Boston, Massachusetts, is one exciting city for student travel that lends itself beautifully to a black history tour.

The Black Heritage Trail includes the African Meeting House, which served as both a church and a school until integration allowed students to be educated at the Phillips School – also part of the trail. These sites and others showcase the efforts of black Americans in Boston to build a legacy for their families, their children, and their future. All African-Americans in Boston were free by the year 1790, and the Black Heritage Trail lets that history shine.

The George Middleton House tells the story of black Americans in the American Revolution. Boston is rich with American Revolution history, and students will love learning about the role of black Americans in it. Middleton was said to have led the all-black company known as the Bucks of America. This site is part of the Black Heritage Trail. It’s located on Beacon Hill, a thrilling historic neighborhood in Boston that all groups should include in Boston tours.

The Harriet Tubman House is not just a tribute to that amazing icon of black history but to the architect who designed it. He was one of the few African-American architects at the time and won awards for his work.

Boston is filled with American history. It makes American heritage come alive for any student. And as you can see, students of black history can find extra value in this popular city for student travel.

Related posts:

1. Back to the Beginning
2. Two Cities Perfect for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
3. Hip-Hop Central in Harlem
4. The Black Hills’ Mt. Rushmore
5. Public Libraries: History, Art, and Culture