diff --git a/lib/galaxy/webapps/reports/config.py b/lib/galaxy/webapps/reports/config.py
index 05b1c0bdf76..203adb5766d 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/webapps/reports/config.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/webapps/reports/config.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class Configuration( object ):
         self.log_actions = string_as_bool( kwargs.get( 'log_actions', 'False' ) )
         self.brand = kwargs.get( 'brand', None )
         # Configuration for the message box directly below the masthead.
-        self.message_box_visible = kwargs.get( 'message_box_visible', False )
+        self.message_box_visible =string_as_bool( kwargs.get( 'message_box_visible', False ) )
         self.message_box_content = kwargs.get( 'message_box_content', None )
         self.message_box_class = kwargs.get( 'message_box_class', 'info' )
         self.wiki_url = kwargs.get( 'wiki_url', 'https://wiki.galaxyproject.org/' )
diff --git a/lib/galaxy/webapps/tool_shed/config.py b/lib/galaxy/webapps/tool_shed/config.py
index 6973c26a541..d787ace36c6 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/webapps/tool_shed/config.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/webapps/tool_shed/config.py
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ class Configuration( object ):
         self.brand = kwargs.get( 'brand', None )
         self.pretty_datetime_format = expand_pretty_datetime_format( kwargs.get( 'pretty_datetime_format', '$locale (UTC)' ) )
         # Configuration for the message box directly below the masthead.
-        self.message_box_visible = kwargs.get( 'message_box_visible', False )
+        self.message_box_visible = string_as_bool( kwargs.get( 'message_box_visible', False ) )
         self.message_box_content = kwargs.get( 'message_box_content', None )
         self.message_box_class = kwargs.get( 'message_box_class', 'info' )
         self.support_url = kwargs.get( 'support_url', 'https://wiki.galaxyproject.org/Support' )