All too often the impact that the African American culture has had on the history of the United States, as well as that of the world, is gone unnoticed in the various history books and tomes of American literature. This is truly sad, as the impact has been one of considerable influence on what our great nation has become today. The typical historical African American figure was bold, brave, and had a strong moral standard. One would be hard pressed to find one notable era and/or one great defining aspect that makes the United States of America the land of the free that it is today that the African American did not have a hand in. It is an understatement to say that this is not fair to the African Americans that played these important roles in the development of this country, or to the African Americans that now call this their home. There is, however, one great vacation spot that does care enough to make sure that everyone knows the facts about these great men and women, and that is the Boston Museum of African American History.

Located on Beacon Hill in the heart of the historic district of Boston, the Museum of African American History is based out of the old Abiel Smith School, a historic landmark itself. This was the first African American school that was supported by the community in the United States. There are a number of excellent exhibits here for those wishing to learn about and pay tribute to the parts played throughout history by the African Americans.

The Museum of African American History is not, however, merely a walk in, look around, and leave establishment. While this is always an option and there are a great many historical documents, artifacts and monuments to the parts played throughout history by the African Americans, there is more to the place than that. There are also tours and other sites located nearby that are actual historical sites. There is the African American Meeting House, listed on the United States list of notable National Historic Landmarks. Free African American architects erected this building in the early 1800's as a church.

Then there is the Black Heritage Trail Tour. This is an almost two mile walk about tour of the United States largest conglomeration of African American historical buildings and sites. Here you will find the places where the African American citizens endured hardships that would easily break the common man today. There are spots where the African American citizens took a stand and made many sacrifices so that the future generations could experience the freedom of every other American citizen. You will truly leave this tour with a newfound respect of the role played by the African American citizens in the history of this country.

This is a great vacation spot for adults in that they can get and enjoy a deeper understanding of what defines an American citizen, and for the children as they will go home armed with a lot more knowledge about the history of the United States as well as a respect for their fellow African American citizens.