Mom vs. Daughter Educator Competition: Boston Trails

My mother and I have decided to have a little teacher competition!  Who can out do the other on an educated tour of Boston's history trails.  She has chosen the Freedom Trail and I have chosen the "Black Heritage Trail"
file:///Users/nadinafrench/Desktop/Museum%20of%20African%20American%20History,%20Boston%20-%20Black%20Heritage%20Trail%20map.webarchive

Today while researching the first to Sites I found some very interesting facts.

Site 1 is the Robert Shaw/54th Regiment Monument that was dedicated in 1897.  Funded by Joshua B. Smith in 1865 (a fugitive slave from North Carolina and former employee of the Shaw household).  At the dedication with the 54th, 55th and 5th Calvary; Booker T. Washington was there as well.... see his life story: page 206 to 212 for the speech of that day: (google the below title)

An Autobiography.
The Story of My Life and Work:
Electronic Edition.

Booker T. Washington, 1856-1915

Site #2: I'm still in the middle of researching and although at first it appears to be only the "George Middleton House" the oldest home built by African Americans what it does not show is that this how was built by Gay African Americans!

George Middleton was a veteran of the American Revolution (feel free to Wikipedia that) and part of the the freemasons.  Prince Hall Masons in fact the man who started many movements including the "Back to Africa Movement" (Wikipedia that too if you want..."). However after watching a few episodes of African American lives today... I am inspired to dig deep into the Gay History of African Americans in Boston as well.

Don't worry more blogs to come as I research this history that is shrouded by even deeper mystery.