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
Come see us at our Visitor History Center during regular office hours, or book a time that works for you.
New Programs at the Center
Three new ways to learn, gather, and grow with us.
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Coming soonCivic Engagement
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Coming soonScholar Series
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Coming soonIntern with Us
The Mite Society Children's Reading Group
Inaugural Mite Society Gathering
Celebrating the life, legacy and story of Elizabeth Freeman, with a special reading by local author Jana Laiz and a visit to the exhibit Elizabeth Freeman: Reimagined.
Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church
Free Field Trip · Grades 5–8
Walk where Du Bois grew up
Learning with W.E.B. Du Bois: students explore the Du Bois exhibit, walk the historic sites, and learn how to take action in their own community.
- WHEN
- October – November 15, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:15 PM - WHERE
- 309 Main St. Visitor Center
Great Barrington, MA 01230 - GUIDE
Marcus P. Smith
DFC Deputy Director & UMass Amherst PhD student- COST
- Free for schools
in participating towns*
*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
“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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