Learn More About the Inn at Shearer Cottage, a Landmark on the African American Heritage Trail on Martha’s Vineyard

The African American Heritage Trail on Martha’s Vineyard was created to show gratitude for contributions made by people of color to the island. In this season 4 segment of Weekends with Yankee (episode 412), we visit the first landmark out of thirty dedicated to the trail, The Inn at Shearer Cottage. Founded in 1912 by the Shearer family, the Inn was the first on Martha’s Vineyard to be owned by and cater to African Americans, contributing to the inception of a flourishing black community on the island. Passed down through generations, the inn remains family-owned to this day, something owner Lee Van Allen is immensely proud of. In this segment, we learn more about the history of Shearer Cottage and its contributions to the rise of several thriving philanthropic black organizations on Martha’s Vineyard.

About Weekends with Yankee

Produced by GBH, Boston’s preeminent public media producer, Weekends with Yankee is a Telly Award–winner in theTourism/Travel category and was recently nominated for Best New Series and Best Travel Program by The Taste Awards. Series funding for Weekends with Yankee is provided by New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development, Maine Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, The Barn Yard, American Cruise Lines, and Grady-White Boats.