Black Voices Walking Tour in Historic Boston
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk and stand for up to 90 minutes with breaks.
Overview
Join a 1.5-hour walking tour through Boston’s Beacon Hill to explore the stories of Black writers who challenged slavery and racial injustice in the 19th century. Discover history where it happened.
Black Voices: Writers for a 19th Century Revolution
Learn about the mark Boston's Black thinkers and writers made on literary and political history
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 1.5-hour walking tour through Beacon Hill, uncovering the powerful stories of Boston's Black writers who tackled slavery and racial tensions. Discover the legacies of influential figures like David Walker and Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins as you explore the very places where they fought for justice and crafted their works.
Duration, Distance, Terrain
1.5 hours 1 mile at a moderate pace, stopping at various sites along the tour
About
Truth, passion, bravery and hope. Discover stories of Boston’s Black writers who were laser-focused on the great topic of the era - slavery.
Learn about the mark Black thinkers and writers made on literary and political history: David Walker and his sentinel work, Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World; novelist, playwright and editor Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins; Dorothy West and her biting satire on racial tensions, and many others.
Walk Beacon Hill as you explore where they worked, raised their families, fought injustice, and wrote.
Member Add On:
Register for the tour on select dates using your membership code for a free tour Add On option available to members
- May 19, 2024 at 2p: A guided experience of the Embrace Sculpture in Boston Common after your tour Become a Boston By Foot member today to enjoy free tours and special members events and activities.
Meeting location:
Meet your guide at Joy Street at Smith Court, GPS - 46 Joy Street, the Museum of African American History’s Abiel Smith School.
Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”
Nearest MBTA Stations: Charles/MGH (Red Line) & Bowdoin (Blue Line)
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, water bottle
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers paved but uneven sidewalks in Beacon Hill, so sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a water bottle
Carry water especially in warmer months to stay hydrated during the walking tour.
Check weather forecast
Tours proceed rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather and bring rain gear if needed.
Limit group size for privacy
Private tours ensure a more intimate experience—book early to secure your preferred date and time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban squirrels
- City birds like pigeons and sparrows
History
Boston’s Beacon Hill was a center of abolitionist activism and Black cultural life in the 19th century, where many writers and activists lived and worked.
Conservation
Efforts in Beacon Hill focus on preserving historic architecture and promoting sustainable tourism to protect this culturally rich neighborhood.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support and comfort on uneven sidewalks throughout the tour.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer months as the tour involves walking outdoors.
summer specific
Layered clothing
Adjust your layers to stay comfortable with changing temperatures along the route.
fall specific
Rain jacket or umbrella
Protect yourself from spring showers to keep the experience enjoyable.
spring specific