Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

09/08/2026

James Abram Garfield was the 20th president of the United States, serving from March 1881 until his death in September that year after being shot in July. Although he had quite a short tenure as president, Garfield also worked to appoint several African Americans to prominent positions: Frederick Douglass (Recorder of Deeds in Washington), Robert Elliot (special agent to the Treasury), John Mercer Langston (Haitian Minister), and Blanche K. Bruce (Register to the Treasury).

Around the same time Mr. Douglass was appointed Recorder of Deeds for D.C. in 1881, he also published his final autobiography, "The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.” His time in the position would later be detailed in his 1892 revision of the book, which he returned to after living longer than he expected.

Image: Library of Congress

09/05/2026

“Truth is proper and beautiful in all times and in all places.” -Frederick Douglass.

As the summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, we want to wish all the new students a wonderful and dynamic school year. We also want to extend our greetings to the many hands who positively impact students' lives daily--teachers, principals, nurses, chefs, advisors, and more. They are who they are because of you.

Allow Frederick Douglass’s words to inspire you as you tackle this new year, and remember that a right to an education is something Douglass risked his life to acquire. Now is also a good time to set up a field trip to one of your local national parks--the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site!

Image: NPS Photo

09/04/2026

"To fight against slaveholders, without fighting against slavery, is but a half-hearted business, and paralyzes the hands engaged in it. Fire must be met with water... war for the destruction of liberty must be met with war for the destruction of slavery." - Frederick Douglass, 1861.

Once the Civil War broke out, Frederick Douglass was keen on promoting the war as a means to end slavery once and for all. Early on during the conflict, many Americans criticized abolitionists and blamed their demands to end slavery as causing the secession and the war. Mr. Douglass led the charge in seeing opportunity in the conflict, engaging with and pressuring President Lincoln to make slavery's end an aim of the war of equal importance with maintaining the Union.

Image: “Storming Fort Wagner,” Kurz & Allison, 1890. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

09/03/2026

In 1848, Frederick Douglass was the only Black person to attend the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women's rights convention, in upstate New York. Elizabeth Cady Stanton asked the assembly to pass a resolution asking for women's suffrage, but many of those present opposed the idea.

Mr. Douglass stood and spoke eloquently in favor of women's suffrage; he said that he could not accept the right to vote as a Black man if women could also not claim that right. He suggested that the world would be a better place if women were involved in the political sphere: "In this denial of the right to participate in government, not merely the degradation of woman and the perpetuation of a great injustice happens, but the maiming and repudiation of one-half of the moral and intellectual power of the government of the world." The resolution would later be passed.

What can you do to stand up for those different from yourself?

Image: Library of Congress

09/02/2026

Are you familiar with the African proverb: "The youth can walk faster, but the elder knows the road?”

This quote reflects the leadership and enduring influence of Frederick Douglass. Mr. Douglass was the “elder who knew the road” because he had lived the struggle himself. He drew on that experience and wisdom to guide new generations of freedom-seekers, while his long view of justice helped shape national policy, inspire movements, and expand the ongoing fight for equality.

Here at the Frederick Douglass NHS, his legacy continues to work exactly like the proverb. In short, Frederick Douglass corresponds to the proverb because youth may have energy, but Mr. Douglass—through his lived experience, insight, and moral leadership—knew the road to freedom, justice, and human dignity. He led by showing the way.

Who is a wise elder that has helped to guide YOU?

Image: NPS Photo

09/01/2026

Black women have been central to the preservation and stewardship of Cedar Hill from the very beginning. Their leadership, advocacy, and community organizing were vital in the early 20th‑century efforts that ensured Frederick Douglass’s home was restored and protected for future generations.

As documented during the 1922 restoration celebration at Cedar Hill, women stood at the forefront of the movement—safeguarding Mr. Douglass’s legacy, shaping public memory, and laying the groundwork for what is now the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Image: NPS Photo

08/30/2026

As America celebrates its 250th year, the Frederick Douglass Home also observes the 149th anniversary of Frederick and Anna Douglass purchasing this property he lovingly called “Cedar Hill.”

Cedar Hill is where Douglass lived and served the United States as a statesman, public servant and civil rights activist. It is also where he rested and hosted family, friends and events atop one of the highest hills in the city. Today, the home offers in-depth historic tours for visitors to look at countless historic objects and for Junior Rangers to complete activities as they experience and interact with one of the city’s most important historic homes.



Image: NPS Photo

08/29/2026

08/29/2026

When visiting Cedar Hill, the staff member you'll likely spend the most time with is the Ranger, intern, or volunteer leading your guided tour of the house or grounds. However, it takes more than guiding tours to keep our operation running. This , we'd like to highlight everything else our staff does to keep Frederick Douglass NHS in tip-top shape!

Each tour begins in the Visitor Center, where one of our staff—like Ranger Ghassan Abunura, pictured here—will help you pick up your reserved tour tickets or register for walk-in tickets.

When not conducting tours in the historic home or coordinating tour groups in the VC, our staff members are patrolling the site, picking up litter, writing programs and social media posts, and conducting research to make each tour as informative and accurate as possible.

No matter what they're doing, our dedicated staff shares a commitment to keeping history alive and engaging!



Image: NPS Photo

08/29/2026

Celebrate National Park Week & America’s 250th Anniversary!

Join us today from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for a special drop‑in celebration outside the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Visitor Center! Stop by anytime to take part in ongoing, hands-on activities exploring: The History & Etiquette of the U.S. Flag and Frederick Douglass’ powerful speeches and writings about the American Flag.

Whether you’re a history lover, a family looking for meaningful activities, or a curious visitor, this program offers a unique chance to connect with Douglass’ legacy and reflect on the values that shaped our nation. Come learn, engage, and celebrate with us during this milestone year. All are welcome—no registration needed!

NPS Photo