African Meeting House hidden galleries

The African Meeting House, built in 1806 on Joy Street, is the oldest extant Black church building in the United States and now houses the Museum of African American History. The building's upper gallery and balcony historically served segregated seating and today contain exhibits and archival materials that are accessed primarily during museum hours and guided tours. Its interior spaces reveal congregation and community practices that are not apparent from the exterior façade. The museum's conservation and research areas are available to researchers by appointment.