Roxbury's Black History

Boston's Black community has been on the move politically, socially, and artistically for centuries. The free Black community was once centered in the North End in the 1700s. As the population grew and new opportunities became available, the community moved first to Beacon Hill in the early 1800s and then the South End in the early 1900s. By the mid-20th century, the highlands of Roxbury eventually became the center of Black Boston, although the community has since continued to grow into Dorchester, Mattapan, and the suburbs.

This informative trolley tour travels through three centuries of Boston's historic Black neighborhoods. Follow the progression of the Black churches, learn about the struggles of the Civil Rights movement, and hear of about the movers, shakers, and strivers in Roxbury's Black History.

Trolley departs:

  Roxbury Heritage State Park/DCR, 183 Roxbury St, Roxbury (MBTA: Roxbury Crossing)

  Hotel 140, 140 Clarendon St, Back Bay (MBTA: Back Bay)

Go behind the scenes - literally - into Roxbury's verdant backyard gardens and green spaces. View a rich profusion of flowers, visit the Garden Girl's farm, stroll through an orchard, and delight in a gorgeous display of parks and historic sites along the way. This unique tour of Roxbury runs rain or shine and includes visits to community gardens and prize winners from the Mayor's annual garden competition. The tour is led by Tom Plant, Director of Special Projects in the Environmental Health Office of the Boston Public Health Commission.

Follow Ekua Holmes, an exceptional Roxbury-based artist, on a leisurely walking tour of the visual arts on Highland Park/Fort Hill. Her in-depth knowledge of Roxbury's arts movement and personal connection to many of the artists is guaranteed to enlighten and entertain. In addition to visiting impressive pieces of public art around the neighborhood, the tour visits artist home studios. This personalized look at Roxbury's art community is a fantastic introduction to the variety of artists and types of art available during Roxbury Open Studios.

Tour departs Roxbury Crossing Station.

Explore the historic, artistic, and culinary treasures of Roxbury with Discover Roxbury and the Franklin Park Coalition. Enjoy impressive views from the top of Roxbury's hills and the architectural richness in its valleys. Previous tours have included:

- The Southwest Corridor (Brewieres and Urban Renewal)

- Eliot Square to Forest Hills Cemetery via Franklin Park

- Roxbury's Main Streets districts

New bike tours are added each year and are open to riders of all skill levels. Note that Roxbury is hilly and some portions of the rides are in mixed traffic. Riders are encouraged to have their bikes tuned up before attending. Helmets are required.