Featured Topics cover three main themes of Smith Court’s history: Activism, Community, and Education. Each topic includes articles that utilize primary sources (documents, archaeological artifacts, and historical images) in the telling of a specific story or aspect of the community on Beacon Hill. Teachers and students may use these articles to learn about the history of Smith Court and to make connections to their own lives.
Activism
Smith Court served as a center for the African American activist community as they argued for justice and equality. The Abiel Smith School became a place of contention in the equal schools movement, while the African Meeting House and the private residences on Smith Court contributed to the efforts of the Abolitionist Movement.
Community
African Americans in Beacon Hill saw Smith Court as a community center where people came together to remember and celebrate significant events. Members of the community also saw Smith Court as their home.
Education
In the first half of the 19th century, African American school children attended school at Smith Court — first in the basement of the African Meeting House and later at the Abiel Smith School next door when it opened in 1835.