AFRICAN MEETING HOUSE OPEN AFTER MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR HISTORIC RESTORATION

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1 For immediate release: January 1, 2012 AFRICAN MEETING HOUSE OPEN AFTER MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR HISTORIC RESTORATION NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL PARTICIPANTS CELEBRATE AMERICA S GATHERING PLACE FOR FREEDOM Boston, MA The Museum of African American History (MAAH), Boston and Nantucket, rededicated the pristinely restored African Meeting House on Beacon Hill and turned the spotlight on the nation s first anti-slavery church with a critically acclaimed Rededication Ceremony and a series of private and public events in Boston last month. The Ceremony, which featured spoken and musical tributes by national, regional, and local leaders, is now available in its entirety at maah.org, courtesy of the WGBH Forum Network. The two-hour event is infused with the words of Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Mariah Stewart and all the brave men, women, and children who gathered in this international icon centuries ago and changed the course of American history. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts First Lady Diane B. Patrick, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, National Park Service Deputy Director Mickey Fearn, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Stephanie Meeks, internationally renowned a cappella singers Sweet Honey in the Rock, and descendants of abolitionist giants have joined business and community leaders, supporters and friends for Celebration events, to date. [Photos available on request.] The $9.5-million-dollar historic restoration, complete with new elevator and stair tower for accessibility, has returned the African Meeting House to its 1855 appearance, with elegantly curved pews and pulpit, period wainscoting and wall finishes, cast-iron posts and golden chandelier. This National Historic Landmark, now open to the public after being closed six years, welcomes visitors with Words Spoken at the Meeting House etched on granite panels towering in the new courtyard entryway. I am ecstatic about the historic restoration of the African Meeting House," said Diane Patrick. "It makes me extremely proud to know that people around the world look to Massachusetts as the anti-slavery hub for the important gatherings that took place inside this national treasure. On behalf of the Commonwealth, I congratulate the Museum of African American History for clearly envisioning how this project could be properly executed and applaud the entire restoration team for returning the Meeting House to a place ideal for civil discussion about social and economic issues of the day events include the 180 th Anniversary of the New England Anti-Slavery Society and co-presenting Boston s Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Mayor s Office of Arts, Tourism, and Special Events (January); co-sponsoring Nantucket s One Book, One Island events (February); hosting National Trust for Historic Preservation Site Directors (March); and opening an exclusive exhibit of Blacks in Baseball for the 100 th anniversary of Fenway Park (April), as well as programs and events for the multi-year celebrations of the Meeting House and Sesquicentennial. [Event listings at maah.org.] Mayor Menino said, The African Meeting House truly has been a beacon on the hill, serving diverse communities of our city and the nation for more than 200 years. As President Abraham Lincoln acknowledged, If there was any one place in America responsible for the end of slavery, it was Boston. It is time for this historic landmark to become as widely known as icons of the American Revolution, including Old North Church and Bunker Hill Monument, featured in history books and studied in classrooms across the country. The African Meeting House was constructed, primarily by free black artisans, and opened in Considered the black Faneuil Hall, this three-story brick building served as a Baptist church, school, and vital meeting place in the 1800s, then as a synagogue in the 20th century. In 1967, Sue Bailey Thurman, wife of the noted Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, founded the Museum of African American History, before founders acquired the African Meeting House in It stands proudly today as the oldest extant African American church building in the nation, crown jewel of the Museum s National Historic Landmarks in Boston and Nantucket, and first of 14 stops on its Black Heritage Trail on Beacon Hill. In addition to being a place of worship, the African Meeting House hosted historic meetings, accommodated unforgettable lectures, echoed children s voices in the African School, and recruitment meetings for brave Civil War regiments, said Beverly Morgan-Welch, Executive Director of the Museum of African American History. There are no words to convey appreciation for the founders who saved this landmark and who had the vision and fortitude to preserve this history. When you walk into the sanctuary you literally walk in the footsteps of Frederick Douglass, one of the greatest leaders of

2 MAAH CELEBRATES AFRICAN MEETING HOUSE, page 2 of 2 his time; William Lloyd Garrison, Editor of The Liberator newspaper; Maria Stewart, abolitionist and women s rights activist and all the brave patriots who rallied to end slavery in this nation, said Morgan-Welch. When you hear their words spoken in the African Meeting House you feel the immense importance of what these abolitionist giants accomplished. They had a purpose, a plan to build an organizing center that would serve as a shining example for other free black communities who followed their example, places like Portland, Maine and New York City. The Museum s Scholar, Dr. Lois Brown, underscored the importance of the Museum s history and Sesquicentennial celebrations, programs, and exhibits. This church and its community played a defining role in the Civil War, the unforgettable chapter in American history shaped indelibly by the formation and heroism of African American regiments, Brown said. The very first soldiers to enlist, in the very first African American regiments in the North, were recruited at the Meeting House. The restoration of the African Meeting House enables the Museum to immortalize these selfless abolitionists and brave soldiers who gathered there, provided educational opportunities, and commanded equal rights for all. The historic landmark has been returned to its former understated elegance and once again has become an ideal venue for civic discussion about social and economic issues, concerts, weddings, and other special events. The building s 5,364 square-foot interior was meticulously restored. With soft glowing walls and curved inviting pews, the sanctuary reflects a sense of serenity, comfort and safety that the original congregation must have felt when they envisioned, designed, constructed, and finally entered this hallowed space. A newly painted chandelier provides a lively and iridescent illumination. Views are now clear from every seat in the sanctuary and upper gallery, reachable by the new stair tower and the same spiral staircase that congregants would have climbed two centuries ago. The Museum is indebted to Governor Patrick and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, who worked together to secure an award of $4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the National Park Service. With these funds, nearly 125 jobs were created during this restoration. The board and staff also must thank all the partners, architects, engineers, contractors, members, and generous corporate and private donors for their invaluable contributions. The National Park Service and Boston African American National Historic Site are proud to partner with the Museum of African American History and the many other organizations that have made this historic restoration possible, said Mickey Fearn, Deputy Director, National Park Service. The stories shared in the African Meeting House will enable thousands of Americans in demographically, culturally, and ethnically diverse communities to understand their spirit and their power. From collaborating with contributors, to conducting archaeology studies, to assembling the dream restoration team, to using the most advanced technology to assist with this complex, delicate restoration, attention was paid to every detail. Construction equipment was reassembled in the small rear yard to build the new elevator stair tower, new bricks were made to match smaller 19 th century bricks, and two original pews now stand with those carefully crafted for the restored sanctuary. The pews, wall finishes, cast-iron posts and all the early 19th-century building features were completely restored as they appeared at the height of the abolitionist movement. In addition to historic renovations, modern upgrades were installed, such as the external elevator and newly designed stairwell to make it accessible for all, and the building s electrical, heating and cooling systems were all replaced. "A man named John Waite was one of six white men to serve on the original building committee. I have the good fortune to be involved in this iconic restoration and to honor him more than two hundred years later," said John G. Waite, architect for the project. "That it is the first building constructed in North America by and entirely for an African American community, and the oldest remaining structure of its kind, makes the African Meeting House not just a landmark for the Black community or for Boston history, but enormously important in the history of the United States. Carl Jay, Director of Historic Preservation for Shawmut Design and Construction, said, This exciting project has incorporated experts from all areas of the historical preservation and restorative fields. Our team worked diligently in a challenging condensed space to revive and update this important American landmark, and we believe the public will be thrilled to re-live the amazing history of this place. For information about the Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket historic sites and Black Heritage Trails, education programs, special events, tours, hours and admissions, visit maah.org or call , x222. Press contact: Lynn DuVal Luse, (ext. 219), or #####

3 The African Meeting House: A Gathering Place for Freedom During the late 18th century, Boston s free black population came together on the north slope of Boston s Beacon Hill to establish a thriving and active community. They created the first black Masonic Order, the African Lodge in 1775; the African Benevolent Society in 1796; and the African School in The crown jewel of their achievement was the African Meeting House built in Built primarily by black artisans, the African Meeting House, the nation s first, opened on December 6. In addition to being a place of worship, the Meeting House housed historic meetings, accommodated unforgettable lectures, resounded with children s voices reciting their lessons and singing, and hosted recruiting meetings for brave black Civil War regiments. All who entered into this stately building, found that here, the freedom of speech, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, was upheld. On a stormy night in December 1832, abolitionist newspaper editor, William Lloyd Garrison founded the New England Anti-Slavery Society in the school room on the ground floor of the African Meeting House. Frederick Douglass spoke out against slavery at the African Meeting House. In 1833, Maria Stewart, the first American woman to publicly address an audience of men and women, gave her farewell address to the people of Boston at the African Meeting House. Known as the Black Faneuil Hall, the African Meeting House enabled people of all races to assemble in peace and was known as a mighty gathering place for freedom. The church congregation at the African Meeting House underwent several changes over the 19 th century and birthed other church bodies that still exist today including People s Baptist Church, Charles Street AME Church and Twelfth Baptist Church. In 1898, having outgrown the African Meeting House, the congregation moved to the South End of Boston. The Meeting House then became a synagogue for nearly 70 years. In 1972, Congregation Libovitz/Lebavitz sold the African Meeting House to the Museum of African American History. By 1974 the Meeting House was designated a National Historic Landmark in The Museum s efforts to restore the African Meeting House were stalled when a workman s torch accidently set fire to the building. The Museum rallied and secured a partnership with the National Park Service. In 1980, the United States Congress established the Boston African American National Historical Site that includes the Museum s African Meeting House and Black Heritage Trail to preserve, to maintain and to interpret Beacon Hill s black history. With funding, primarily from the National Park Service, the Museum opened the Meeting House to the public in The historic landmark greeted thousands of visitors for nearly twenty years. Today you are seeing the result of a complete and magnificent historic restoration that allows the African Meeting House to endure as a symbol of the strength and character of America s early free black communities of purpose. Press contact: Lynn DuVal Luse Marketing Consultant Museum of African American History

4 MEDIA ADVISORY: For release December 7, 2011 What: African Meeting House: Rededication and 205th Anniversary Celebration The Museum of African American History (MAAH), Boston and Nantucket, completes historic restoration of the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill in Boston. This national historic landmark reopens for the first time in six years with a series of public events and tours beginning Wednesday, December 7. MAAH also hosts a private Ceremony on Tuesday, December 6, When: December 6 10, 2011 Tuesday 12/6 Private Rededication Ceremony By Invitation Only Wednesday 12/7 & Thursday 12/8 Members Only Private Preview 10am - 4pm Thursday12/7 Portraits of Purpose : Members Only Exhibit Opening 6-8pm Friday 12/9 & Saturday 12/10 Public Grand Opening 10am to 4pm Who: Where: History: Rededication Celebration Events (see attached schedule for more details on public events). 12/6 Private Rededication Ceremony with Spoken and Musical Tributes Mayor Thomas M. Menino, renowned a cappella singers Sweet Honey in the Rock, descendants of abolitionists, and more. 12/7 12/8 *Members Only Preview of African Meeting House and Exhibit National Park Service rangers lead members on guided tours of the newly restored African Meeting House. Preview Portraits of Purpose: A Tribute to Leadership, Boston , a unique collection of 65 life-sized portraits by noted photographer Don West. 12/7 *Members Only Portraits of Purpose Exhibit Opening Hear spoken and musical tributes in the newly renovated African Meeting House from First Lady Diane B. Patrick and people featured in the Abiel Smith School exhibit, including Ted Landsmark of Boston Architectural College, veteran journalist Sarah Ann Shaw, and philanthropy expert Klare Shaw. Also included are noted performance artist Regie Gibson and preview of exhibit of 65 life-sized portraits with documentary photographer Don West. 12/9 12/10 Public Grand Opening National Park Service Rangers lead tours of the beautifully restored African Meeting House and tell stories about the abolitionist giants who made history in this treasured space. Featuring the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, Paige Academy Nursery and Elementary School Drummers, Portraits of Purpose exhibit, and more. Tours begin at 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. [EDITORS NOTE: Tours with Park Rangers continue after 12/10, Monday Saturday, 10am 4pm on the same schedule.] Museum of African American History, 46 Joy Street, Boston, Massachusetts The African Meeting House, built and opened in 1806, is the oldest extant African American church building in the nation constructed primarily by free black artisans. Over more than 200 years, this threestory brick structure has served diverse communities in Boston, as a Baptist church, school, and vital meeting place in the 1800s, and a synagogue in the 20th century. In 1967, Sue Bailey Thurman, wife of the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, founded the Museum of African American History, which acquired the African Meeting House in This National Historic Landmark is the crown jewel in the Museum s collection of historic sites on Boston s Beacon Hill and Nantucket. It was in this gathering place for freedom where giants in the Abolitionist Movement spoke: William Lloyd Garrison, Editor of The Liberator newspaper and founder of the New England Anti- Slavery Society; Maria Stewart, first woman to speak before a group of women and men; and Frederick Douglass, one of the greatest leaders of his time, rallied black and white abolitionists, and ordinary men, women, and children to action. During the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the

5 AFRICAN MEETING HOUSE REDEDICATION, page 2 of 2 Meeting House stands as a reminder of the commitment by Boston s African American community to muster black troops and form the Massachusetts 54 th and 55 th Volunteer Infantry Regiments as well as the Fifth Calvary. The Museum of African American History has immortalized these selfless abolitionists who gathered together at the Meeting House and executed plans to abolish slavery, provide educational opportunities, and command equal rights for all. President Abraham Lincoln said that if there was any one place in America responsible for the end of slavery, it was Boston. That is in no small measure due to these extraordinary American patriots who exercised their First Amendment right to assemble at this hallowed space on Beacon Hill. MAAH: Restoration: Admission: Membership: The Museum of African American History is New England s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately interpreting the contributions of people of African descent and those from Boston and across the nation who found common cause with them in the struggle for liberty, dignity, and justice for all. Founded in 1967 and opened in 1986, its Boston and Nantucket campuses feature two Black Heritage Trails and four historic sites; three are National Historic Landmarks. They tell the story of organized black communities from the Colonial Period through the 19th century. Exhibits, programs, and educational activities showcase the powerful history of individuals and families who worshipped, educated their children, debated the issues of the day, produced great art, organized politically, and advanced the cause of freedom through a strategic network of Northern coastal communities. The 5,364 square-foot African Meeting House was constructed in 1806 with funds raised in both white and black communities. The facade is an adaptation of a design for a townhouse published by Boston architect Asher Benjamin. Cato Gardner, a native of Africa, was responsible for raising more than $1,700 toward the total $7,700 to complete the project. A commemorative inscription above the front door reads: "Cato Gardner, first Promoter of this Building 1806." With the historic restoration complete, the building has returned to its appearance in 1855 and now is handicap accessible with a new elevator and stair tower of 1,380 square feet, bringing the current total to 6,744 square feet. Funding from many generous corporations, foundations, individuals and government agencies enabled construction to begin in May of The Museum is indebted to Governor Patrick and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, who worked together to secure an award of $4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the National Park Service. With these funds, nearly 125 jobs have been created during this restoration. The pristinely restored African Meeting House reopens to the public on the 205 th anniversary. Today, the beauty and simple elegance of this treasured space and important period elements, from the pews and pulpit to the chandelier and wainscoting, create a setting that allows us to imagine the worship, lectures, school, concerts, and antislavery meetings that occurred here in an entirely new way. The Museum s historic sites, Boston and Nantucket, are accessible to all and featured on its Black Heritage Trails ; Boston tours led by National Park Service Rangers. Members & children 12 years or under: Free Adults: $5 Youth (13 17) & Seniors (62+): $3. Group rates available on request. $15 Eunice Ross Student/Senior $25 Lewis Hayden Individual $50 Susan Paul Family $125 National Trust Friend Additional membership opportunities are available with increasing rewards at each level. Members benefits include free admission to Boston and Nantucket museums, discount in our Museum stores, and access to private events throughout the year. Information: Visit or call , ext Press: Contact Lynn DuVal Luse, On request: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND PRESS INFORMATION AVAILABLE: African Meeting House historic restoration: the art, craftsmanship, and economics History, timeline and photographs of the Museum of African American History The Museum s four historic sites and Black Heritage Trails on Beacon Hill and Nantucket Rewarding partnership with the National Park Service A Gathering Place for Freedom and Rededication Events Schedule Words spoken at the African Meeting House; living descendants of abolitionist giants Restoring, recycling, recreating, and reusing artifacts and archeology from the 1800s

6 African Meeting House Rededication Celebration The Museum of African American History Boston and Nantucket completes historic restoration of the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, Boston. This National Historic Landmark opens for Museum members preview on December 7 and 8, 2011, then reopens to the public for the first time in six years beginning December 9, A Gathering Place for Freedom The African Meeting House, built in 1806 by skilled black craftsmen, was the moral center of the African American community for nearly one hundred years and a magnet for all Americans of conscience. They called it the Abolition Church. The black Faneuil Hall. A beacon on the hill. A center for civil disobedience. A school. A rallying point for the first blacks from the north to serve in the Civil War. A sanctuary, then a synagogue, now a museum. Through this Rededication Celebration, we tell the stories of some of the greatest orators and activists of the time, including Frederick Douglass, Maria Stewart, and William Lloyd Garrison, and all the men, women and children whose voices filled this gathering place for freedom and contributed to ending slavery in this nation. Come to the newly restored African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, the crown jewel of the Museum of African American History s collection of historic sites in Boston and Nantucket. African Meeting House Rededication Events Schedule* Private Rededication Ceremony By Invitation Only Tuesday, December 6, am Museum s historic sites in Boston: The African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School on Beacon Hill are closed to the public 12/6/2011 for the private event. Abiel Smith School open to the public 10am 4pm; African Meeting House Boston open to Museum Members only 12/7/2011 and 12/8/2011. African Meeting House Boston reopens to the public beginning 12/9/2011. [See Media Advisory for more details.] Members 1 Only Preview of the African Meeting House Wednesday, December 7 and Thursday, December 8, am - 4pm Become a member for access to these events. Private guided tours of the newly restored National Historic Landmark leave every hour on the hour, beginning at 11am. Preview a unique collection of 65 life-sized portraits by noted photographer Don West featuring leaders from Boston and beyond. Exhibit closes March Abiel Smith School open to the public 10am - 4pm; African Meeting House Boston open to members only 12/7/2011 & 12/8/2011. Members 1 Only Exhibit Opening: Portraits of Purpose: A Tribute to Leadership, Boston Wednesday, December 7, pm Become a member for access to this event. Hear spoken and musical tributes in the newly renovated African Meeting House from First Lady Diane B. Patrick and people featured in the Abiel Smith School exhibit, including Ted Landsmark of Boston Architectural College, veteran journalist Sarah Ann Shaw, and philanthropy expert Klare Shaw. Also included are noted performance artist Regie Gibson and preview of exhibit of 65 life-sized portraits with documentary photographer Don West.. Reception and exhibit viewing immediately follow. Exhibit closes March African Meeting House Rededication Celebration Events, page 1 of 2

7 Abiel Smith School open to the public 10am - 4pm; African Meeting House Boston open to members only 12/7/2011 & 12/8/2011. Public Grand Reopening of the African Meeting House and Portraits of Purpose Exhibit Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, am - 4pm Stroll through American history with National Park Service Rangers, who lead hourly tours of the beautifully restored African Meeting House and tell stories about the incredible abolitionists, men, women, and children who helped end slavery in this nation; tours begin at 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm) Also featured 12/9 & 10: Paige Academy Nursery and Elementary School drummers (interactive performances at 12noon and 2pm) and an exhibit of 65 life-sized portraits of leaders from Boston and beyond by noted photographer Don West. Exhibit closes March Also featured 12/10 only: 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment and Colored Ladies Christian Relief Society (interactive reenactments at 11am and 3pm). Abiel Smith School open to the public except 12/6/11; open to Members only 12/7 and 12/8. African Meeting House Boston open to the public beginning 12/9/11. African Meeting House Tours and Portraits of Purpose Exhibit Ongoing Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm (spring & summer hours available early in 2012) Experience the historic restoration of the African Meeting House for yourself with a guided tour of this National Historic Landmark. Tour schedule: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Browse the exhibit of 65 life-sized portraits by noted photographer Don West featuring leaders from Boston and beyond. Exhibit closes March Events For other happenings at the Museum s Boston and Nantucket historic sites. Visit website for updates about the Museum s Legacy Awards Gala, annual meeting, guest speakers, lectures, and educational opportunities for adults and children at one of our historic sites on Beacon Hill or Nantucket. *Location Museum of African American History, 46 Joy Street, Beacon Hill, Boston. Boston historic sites accessible for all: African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School. *Hours, Admission & Directions Monday through Saturday, 10AM to 4PM Visit and Click on Plan a Visit for holiday hours and directions. Members and children 12 years and under: Free. Adults: $5 Youth (13 17) and Seniors (62+): $3. Group rates available. For more information About the Museum of African American History, Black Heritage Trail guided tours offered by the National Park Service Boston African American National Historic Site, exhibits, events, and membership opportunities visit or call the Visitor Center, , ext Museum Membership & Chance to Win $500 TJX Gift Card Become a new member, renew your membership, or make a donation by December 31, 2011 for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards courtesy of The TJX Companies, Inc. $125 National Trust Fund Friend $50 Susan Paul Family $25 Lewis Hayden Individual $15 Eunice Ross Student/Senior Additional membership opportunities available with increasing rewards at each level. Visit the website and Click on Membership for information about all the member benefits, including free admission to the Museums in Boston and Nantucket. Visit the website and Click on Donate to make a contribution. Press contact: Lynn DuVal Luse African Meeting House Rededication Celebration Events, page 2 of 2

8 SPOKEN WORD AT THE AFRICAN MEETING HOUSE These words are etched in granite panels towering in the Courtyard entryway to the beautifully restored African Meeting House, the crown jewel of the Museum of African American History s collection of historic sites in Boston and Nantucket. We have met to-night in this obscure school-house; our numbers are few and our influence limited; but, mark my prediction, Faneuil Hall shall ere long echo with the principles we have set forth. We shall shake the nation by their mighty power. William Lloyd Garrison, January 6, 1832 Founding of the New England Anti-Slavery Society For it is not the color of the skin that makes the man or the woman, but the principle formed in the soul. Maria Stewart, September 21, 1833 Mrs. Stewart s Farewell Address to Her Friends in the City of Boston independent of its history as a church and a school-house, this building has won for itself celebrity by the various meetings held within its walls by the colored citizens and the friends for promoting the cause of human brotherhood. William C. Nell, October 8, th Anniversary of the First Independent Baptist Female Society This is a meeting to discuss the best method of abolishing slavery, and each speaker is expected to present what he regards as the best way of prosecuting the anti-slavery movement all methods of proceeding against slavery, politics, religion, peace, war, Bible, Constitution, disunion, Union every possible way known in opposition to slavery is my way. Frederick Douglass, December 3, 1860 How Can American Slavery be Abolished?