Welcome to the Du Bois Freedom Center!
“Education must not simply teach work—it must teach life.” - W.E.B. Du Bois
Our Mission
The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy is to educate the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois and the rich African American heritage of the Berkshires.
Located at the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Great Barrington, where he was born and raised, this vibrant center of Black thought and remembrance constitutes the first museum and living memorial in North America dedicated to Du Bois’ life and legacy.
We are building more than a memorial — a living space for reflection, scholarship, and cultural exchange. Together with our community, we are establishing the premier institution advancing Du Bois' vision and connecting Great Barrington to national and global conversations on democracy, freedom, and equity.
Visit Us
Our Visitor History Center is located at 309 Main Street, Great Barrington. We welcome visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during our regular office hours, from 11AM to 3PM.
You are welcome to book a time to come visit with us outside of our regular hours. Please reach out to us at office@duboisfreedomcenter.org to schedule your visit.
The Mite Society Children's Reading Group
Join Us for Our Inaugural
Mite Society Gathering
Celebrating the Life, Legacy and Story of Elizabeth Freeman
Inspired by a 140-year legacy, the new Mite Society is a welcoming, intergenerational space where children and families can come together to explore African American history, culture, and storytelling.
A Special Reading with Famed Local Author Jana Laiz
and a visit to our exclusive exhibit, Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined
TIME
Starts at 1:00 PM
AUDIENCE
Parents, Grandparents & School Groups
Children 8 and up
DATE
Sunday, October 25th, 2026
LOCATION
DFC Visitor Center
309 Main Street, Great Barrington
Walk where Du Bois grew up!
Learning with W.E.B. Du Bois:
Exploring Black History and Local Heritage in the Berkshires
One half-day. One hometown. One of America's greatest thinkers.
- WHEN
- October – November 15, 20269:00 AM – 12:15 PM
- WHERE
- 309 Main St. Visitor CenterGreat Barrington, MA 01230
- COST
- FREE for schoolsin participating towns*
Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church
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Explorethe Du Bois exhibit
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Walkthe historic sites
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Take actionin your own community
*This program is funded in part by grants from the Alford–Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham and West Stockbridge Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Presenting Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined!
A unique exhibit of student-led works celebrating the life, story, and legacy of Elizabeth Freeman
Learn About the Exhibit
Art: Abby Glover, Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Watch on Instagram
DFC Fall
Walking Tour
Honoring the life, legacy, and rich Black history of W.E.B. Du Bois and the Berkshires, our guided tours explore the stories, places, and people that shaped him and this region.
Admission
$25 General Adult $15 Students & Seniors (65+) Free Children under 10
New programs at the Du Bois Freedom Center
Three new ways to learn, gather, and grow with us. Join our newsletter to hear first when each program launches.
Join our newsletter-
Coming soonCivic Engagement
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Coming soonScholar Series
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Coming soonInternship at DFC
“The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy presents a singular opportunity to reclaim and extend in Du Bois’ hometown, the Black intellectual, artistic traditions, and social movements to which he dedicated his life’s work.”
—David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning Du Bois Biographer
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