As we celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, the America250 initiative invites us to honor the full, diverse tapestry of our nation’s history. At Boating in Boston, a proud member of the Adventures Unbound family, we are using Black History Month to shine a light on the trailblazers who helped build the intellectual and social foundation of New England. By highlighting these stories, we connect the experience of rowing on the Charles River to a broader national journey of creativity and the pursuit of liberty.

The First Voice of American Poetry: Phillis Wheatley

Boston’s literary legacy began with a voice that rose above the confines of enslavement. Phillis Wheatley, who arrived in Boston from West Africa in 1761, became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. While living in the city, she mastered English, Latin, and literature, ultimately publishing Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral in 1773. As detailed by Britannica, her work was so influential that it was used by abolitionists as proof of the intellectual equality of African people, making her a foundational figure in the American story of freedom.

Preserving the Cradle of Liberty: The Museum of African American History

The struggle for equality and the celebration of African American achievement are preserved today at the Museum of African American History (MAAH). As New England’s largest institution dedicated to this history, the museum oversees vital sites like the African Meeting House, built in 1806, and the Abiel Smith School. These landmarks tell the story of a community that organized, educated, and advocated for the cause of freedom long before the 19th century. From the colonial period onward, the museum ensures that the contributions of people of African descent remain at the heart of Boston’s historical identity.

Reflecting on the Water

When you take to the water with Boating in Boston, you are surrounded by the skyline of a city that served as a catalyst for the American Revolution and the abolitionist movement. The legacies of Phillis Wheatley and the early organizers of the African Meeting House are woven into the very fabric of the city you see from your boat. We invite you to explore these layers of history as part of your journey through Boston this year. To learn more about how we are celebrating these diverse stories of our national heritage, visit America250 at Adventures Unbound.