Cambridge Public Library is offering free passes to the Museum of African American History (MAAH) beginning in February. The passes to the Museum of African American History are made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and are in keeping with the Library’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mayor Siddiqui’s Office sponsored a pilot in February 2022 for residents to visit the MAAH during Black History Month. Given the pilot’s success, the Mayor’s Office worked with the Library to make these tickets available to community members. 

Located on Beacon Hill, which was the center of the Black community in Boston in the 17th century, the MAAH is the pre-eminent repository of African American history in Boston. The museum holds a collection of over 3,000 items, which chronicle a journey that began in Africa, across the middle passage, to Boston as early as 1638. Items in the museum’s collection also celebrate the important role that Boston’s small but influential free Black and abolitionist community, who planted a foothold in the city by building gathering places, founding businesses, and establishing schools, and whose actions played in the national story from the birth of the nation through the 20th century. “The Library is pleased to enter into a partnership with the Museum of African American History that will result in greater access to the Museum’s resources,” said Director of Libraries, Dr. Maria McCauley. “We look forward to partnering with the MAAH.” 

To qualify for a free museum pass to the MAAH and other museums, patrons must present a valid Minuteman library card in good standing. Only one pass per household may be borrowed for any one day, and patrons are allowed to borrow each museum pass once every 30 days. “We are thrilled to offer access to the MAAH to our community,” said Diana Fendler, Manager of Adult Services, “these passes will provide access to a wealth of resources that community members will appreciate.” Passes may be picked up at the patron’s convenience at the Main Library or a branch location during Library hours, and do not have to be returned. In addition to the MAAH, the Library offers free or discounted admission to Boston’s Children’s Museum, the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the New England Aquarium, the USS Constitution Museum, and Zoo New England. Please visit the service page for museum passes to learn more about discounted passes provided by the Library.