African Meeting House
This meeting house was the centerpiece of Nantucket Island's free African-American community during the height of the whaling industry in the 19th century.
The African Meeting House is owned and operated by the Museum of African American History.
Preservation History
In 1989, the Museum of African American History (MAAH) purchased the African Meeting House, which was in immediate danger of collapse. However, despite the extensive deterioration, a 1990 survey by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities concluded the building displayed a "high degree of historic integrity and significance" and retained a significant portion of its original building material. Thanks to funding from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and donations from businesses, individuals and foundations, the MAAH completed an extensive restoration of the building and officially reopened in August of 1999.
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