PORTLAND — The Abyssinian Meeting House on Newbury Street will be open for tours May 22, 23 and 25.

The meeting house is the third oldest African-American meeting house in the country. It is undergoing renovations after years of neglect and abandon left the building in disrepair. The building is on the National Historic Register and is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

The Committee to Restore the Abyssinian, the group heading the restoration efforts, announced this week that the second phase of the renovation project is complete.  That work included shoring up timber framing in the building, along with clearing out the first floor and rebuilding the back wall. The roof is also partially completed.

Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 75 Newbury St. The committee recommends wearing comfortable shoes.


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