Shearer Cottage is the oldest African American-owned inn on Martha’s Vineyard and serves as the first stop on the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard. Established in 1912 in the Highlands neighborhood of Oak Bluffs, it provided a safe and upscale sanctuary for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era when they were denied lodging elsewhere on the island.
History & Origins
- Founders: Shearer Cottage was founded by Charles and Henrietta Shearer. Charles was born into slavery in Virginia and later graduated from the Hampton Institute.
- The Business: Before becoming an inn, the property operated as a successful laundry business starting in the late 1800s. In 1912, the family expanded their home into a 12-room seasonal guest house.
- Continuous Legacy: The property has remained in the same family for over 110 years, managed by four generations of the Shearer descendants.
Cultural Impact
- “The Negro Motorist Green Book”: Shearer Cottage was a featured safe haven in this famous travel guide for Black Americans.
- Famous Guests: The inn hosted a “who’s who” of prominent Black figures, including:
- Civil Rights Leaders: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rep. John Lewis.
- Arts & Entertainment: Singer Paul Robeson, actress Ethel Waters, opera singer Lillian Evanti, and Lionel Richie (who performed there with the Commodores in 1972).
- Politicians: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Sr..
- Smithsonian Recognition: Its story and artifacts (including a rocking chair and sign) are part of a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C..
Current Status of Shearer Cottage, Martha’s Vineyard
- Location: 4 Morgan Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
- Operational Note: While traditionally open from May through October, the inn experienced a temporary closure during the pandemic. As of early 2026, some sources list the business as “permanently closed,” though the family continues to maintain the historic site and plans for its future use
Learn more about Shearer Cottage: National Trust for Historic Preservation
✓ Check-Out: Black-Owned Bed & Breakfasts & Vacation Rentals in Oak Bluffs & Martha’s Vineyard
✓ Visit our: The History of African-American Hotel Ownership