Malcolm X And Ella Little Collins House

Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins House: Comprehensive Visiting Guide and Boston Civil Rights Heritage

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins House at 72 Dale Street in Roxbury stands as a vital monument of African American heritage and the civil rights movement in Boston. This historic site, the only surviving childhood residence of Malcolm X, also honors the legacy of his half-sister, Ella Little-Collins—an influential activist and educator. The house embodies the story of Black migration, empowerment, and resilience, offering visitors a rare opportunity to connect with Boston’s vibrant Black history and the early life of Malcolm X.

This guide provides a detailed exploration of the house’s history, visitor information, architectural highlights, preservation efforts, and related cultural sites. For the most current updates on visiting hours, ticketing, and events, consult the official Malcolm X House website and affiliated organizations (Malcolm X House Official Site, Boston.gov, Mizan Project).

Introduction
Historical and Architectural Overview
The Great Migration and Family Legacy
Malcolm X’s Formative Years in Boston
Ella Little-Collins: Activism and Impact
Preservation Status and Restoration
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Related Activities
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media
Conclusion and Next Steps
Sources

Historical and Architectural Overview

Construction and Design

Built in 1874 by local builder William Rumnil, the Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins House occupies land formerly part of Abijah Seaver’s country estate. The 2½-story wood-frame building sits on a foundation of Roxbury puddingstone and features Queen Anne architectural details and an Art Deco brick garage. Its preservation offers a tangible link to late-19th and early-20th-century Black life in Boston (Boston.gov).

Recognition

The house was designated a Boston City Landmark in 1998 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, reflecting its significance in both architectural and civil rights history (Boston.com).

The Great Migration and Family Legacy

During the Great Migration, millions of African Americans moved north seeking opportunity and safety. Ella Little-Collins, Malcolm X’s half-sister, relocated from Georgia to Boston and purchased the Dale Street house in 1941, providing a haven for her family. Malcolm, born in Omaha in 1925, moved to Roxbury as a teenager—marking the beginning of his transformative journey (Wikipedia; History.com).

Malcolm X’s Formative Years in Boston

Malcolm X lived at the Dale Street house from age 16, where Ella’s mentorship and Roxbury’s vibrant Black community shaped his identity and activism. The house served as a family hub, offering Malcolm personal space and exposure to intellectual, cultural, and political life (Malcolm X House).

Ella Little-Collins: Activism and Impact

Ella Little-Collins remained a prominent civil rights leader, supporting Malcolm and advocating for education and equality throughout her life. Artifacts recovered from the property, such as her blue dishes and backyard peach pits, highlight her nurturing presence and commitment to community (Malcolm X House).

Preservation Status and Restoration

Endangered Status and Archaeology

The house was named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list in 2012, emphasizing the urgent need for restoration. Archaeological investigations in 2016 and 2021 have uncovered over 18,000 artifacts, deepening our understanding of Black family life and Roxbury’s evolving community (Boston.gov).

Restoration Efforts

Restoration is spearheaded by Historic Boston Incorporated and the Collins family, supported by grants from the 1772 Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Efforts address structural issues and seek to preserve original architectural features, with the goal of re-opening the house for public engagement (Historic Boston Incorporated; UMass Media).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Current Status (2025):
The Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins House remains closed to the general public due to ongoing restoration. “No trespassing” signage is posted, and there are no scheduled regular tours or visiting hours.

Tickets:
No tickets are currently available. Updates will be announced through Historic Boston Incorporated and Collins family official channels.

Accessibility:
Plans for accessible facilities are in development and will be announced closer to reopening.

Travel Tips:
Located at 72 Dale Street, Roxbury, the house is accessible via MBTA bus and subway, with nearby street parking. For updates, consult the Malcolm X House Official Site.

While the Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins House is closed, visitors can explore other local sites and events:

Black Heritage Trail: A walking route highlighting 14 historic sites of Boston’s Black community (Nomadic Matt).
Bruce Bolling Building: Host of the annual Malcolm X Read-a-thon (Malcolm X Read-a-thon Boston).
Roxbury International Film Festival: Celebrating Black culture and social justice.
Juneteenth Celebrations: Annual events honoring African American freedom (Boston Discovery Guide).

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Preservation efforts prioritize historical integrity, with community-driven advocacy and support. Future plans envision adaptive reuse as graduate housing for scholars of Black history, as well as periodic public tours and educational programs (UMass Media). Balancing residential privacy with public learning remains central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When can I visit the Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins House?
A: The house is currently closed for restoration. Updates on reopening and public tours will be shared via official channels.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are planned for select times in the future, but none are currently available.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Accessibility improvements are planned and will be announced before reopening.

Q: What other sites can I visit nearby?
A: Explore the Black Heritage Trail, Malcolm X Read-a-thon events, and other cultural landmarks in Roxbury and Beacon Hill.

Visuals and Media

Alt text: Historic brick home at 72 Dale Street, Roxbury, Boston, once home to Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins.

View Location on Map

For virtual tours, photo galleries, and historical media, visit the Malcolm X House official website.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins House endures as a powerful symbol of Boston’s Black heritage and the ongoing struggle for equality. Restoration efforts and future plans seek to ensure the house remains both a living educational resource and a tribute to Malcolm X and Ella Little-Collins. While the house is currently closed, visitors are encouraged to explore nearby historic sites, stay informed through official updates, and engage with Boston’s civil rights legacy.

Download the Audiala app for real-time updates, audio tours, and information on upcoming events at Boston’s civil rights landmarks. Continue exploring our related articles to deepen your understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history.