Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site This is the official page of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
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The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves and interprets Cedar Hill, where Frederick Douglass lived from 1877 until his death in 1895. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to spend his life fighting for justice and equality for all people. His tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity continue to inspire and sustain people today.

Ever wanted to take a more personal look into Frederick Douglass's life, even more than his several autobiographies and ...
06/17/2026

Ever wanted to take a more personal look into Frederick Douglass's life, even more than his several autobiographies and the many other biographies written about him? Look no further than the Library of Congress! A vast trove of his personal correspondence, notes, and even shopping receipts have been collected and preserved for future generations, and there is no shortage of things to find for anyone interested in digging in. For instance, just the first week of the March 1893 collection of documents includes planning for the World's Columbian Exhibition of that year, discussions of legal cases, and an order to an upholsterer. What do you think your assorted paperwork and scrap paper say about you?

Photo: A piece of scrap paper where Frederick Douglass drafted a letter (Library of Congress).

đź“Ť Not all who wander are lost; in fact, they might be a Trail Ambassador! đź“Ť In our brand-new volunteer position, you can...
06/16/2026

đź“Ť Not all who wander are lost; in fact, they might be a Trail Ambassador! đź“Ť

In our brand-new volunteer position, you can choose a portion of the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail to care for and maintain. 👀📝⛏️

The trail winds 6.5 miles through several Civil War-era forts in six sections from which to choose. Trail Ambassadors visit their selected segment at least once a month to check on and improve its conditions. 🥾🚶‍

Pick amongst these trail stretches:

1. Fort Place SE to Marion Barry Avenue SE (~0.6 mile one-way)
2. Marion Barry Avenue SE to Park Drive SE (~1.1 mile one-way)
*Please note: the linked map displays “Good Hope Rd SE”, the former name of Marion Barry Avenue*
3. Branch Avenue SE to Massachusetts Avenue SE (~1 mile one-way)
4. Massachusetts Avenue SE to Ridge Road SE (~1.5 miles one-way)
5. Ridge Road SE to Benning Road NE (~1.1 mile one-way)
6. Benning Road NE/Fort Mahan Park circular trail to Grant Street NE (~1 mile one-way)

See each section’s start, end, and general route with this handy map:
🗺️https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=8be3e5bf-585c-4c66-9c00-05b76b17a278

Craving some wanderlust on this sprawling, historical pathway? Apply today to become a Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail Ambassador ▶️ https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

NPS photo

Have you ever wanted to check out Frederick Douglass’ historic DC residence without committing to a full 30+ minute tour...
06/15/2026

Have you ever wanted to check out Frederick Douglass’ historic DC residence without committing to a full 30+ minute tour? You’re in luck. This Fourth of July, the doors of Cedar Hill will open for first-floor walkthrough tours from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The first-floor tour offers visitors a look at some of Cedar Hill’s most beautiful rooms, including the east and west parlors, Frederick Douglass’ private library, and the Douglass family’s elegant dining room.

If you’re looking for something more in-depth, we’ve got you covered. Full house tours will be held at 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:00 pm with tickets available on a first come, first served basis. House tours cap out at a maximum of 15 visitors, so let the staff at the Visitor Center know early if you’re interested!

For more info, visit https://www.nps.gov/nace/planyourvisit/4th-of-july.htm

(NPS Photo)

John Brown’s raid on Harper's Ferry became national debate in 1859. Frederick Douglass did not partake in it, but he was...
06/15/2026

John Brown’s raid on Harper's Ferry became national debate in 1859. Frederick Douglass did not partake in it, but he was still wanted by the state of Virginia for supporting Brown. He had reason to believe he would not receive a fair trial and fled to Canada, and then England on a lecture tour. Five months later, his youngest daughter, Annie died just days shy of her 11th birthday on March 13, 1860. Douglass was unable to attend her funeral as he was still overseas. Annie is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, New York, near her father. Her tombstone reads: “Annie Douglass was the youngest of Frederick and Anna Murray’s children and the light of the family. She was an abolitionist in the making and a stellar student. She is remembered as the twinkle of her father's eye and sweet spirit."

Image Credit: Print and Photograph Division, Library of Congress

Tap into your creative side at Anacostia Park’s own Juneteenth celebration, “It’s Up to Us!” ✊ 📍 Skating Pavilion 🗓️ J...
06/14/2026

Tap into your creative side at Anacostia Park’s own Juneteenth celebration, “It’s Up to Us!” ✊
đź“Ť Skating Pavilion
🗓️ June 21
🕒 3–6 PM

Whether busting moves with DMV Pressure or decorating your own tote bag, prepare for an exciting afternoon of festivities!

Get more information ➡️ https://go.nps.gov/anac/juneteenth

Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Bring a picnic lunch and your neighbors—let’s turn Stanton Park into our neighborhood picnic grounds and celebrate Ameri...
06/13/2026

Bring a picnic lunch and your neighbors—let’s turn Stanton Park into our neighborhood picnic grounds and celebrate America’s 250th together!

Join us Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Stanton Park.

Enjoy a community celebration with Revolutionary War living history, historic games, Junior Ranger activities, Capitol Hill Restoration Society historic walking tours, plus a performance by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the unveiling of the restored Nathanael Greene statue from 11:30–12:30.

For more info, visit https://go.nps.gov/stanton-park

(NPS/Conall Rubin-Thomas)

Let us take a moment today to look back to April of 1883 when Frederick Douglass gave a speech recalling the immense eff...
06/11/2026

Let us take a moment today to look back to April of 1883 when Frederick Douglass gave a speech recalling the immense effort that had gone into bringing about abolition in the United States. Specifically, he called out those who argued that the cause of abolition was a recent American innovation. Not only did he draw direct lines to other oppressed peoples (remarking on his personal experiences visiting Ireland, for one), but he also cited a book from more than two hundred years earlier than his own time, Rev. Morgan Godwin's 1680 work "The Negro's and Indians Advocate." By looking back to advocates for progress centuries before his own time, Douglass called to mind how long a struggle for a better world can take, and though Emancipation had been achieved by the time of this speech, he also made it clear that the work was not done.

How has reading or hearing something ever made you feel a strong connection to generations past?

Image Credit: NPS/TMurphy

A huge thank you to all the volunteers from Revive Stanton Park and our amazing community who consistently help keep Sta...
06/10/2026

A huge thank you to all the volunteers from Revive Stanton Park and our amazing community who consistently help keep Stanton Park clean! Your hard work, energy, and pride in this neighborhood help keep Stanton Park beautiful and welcoming for everyone.

Want to see this beautiful park for yourself? Enjoy a community celebration June 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. See Revolutionary War living history, historic games, Junior Ranger activities, Capitol Hill Restoration Society historic walking tours, plus a performance by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the unveiling of the restored Nathanael Greene statue from 11:30–12:30.

For more info, visit https://go.nps.gov/stanton-park

(NPS/ Conall Rubin-Thomas)

🗺️ Choose your own adventure as a Trail Ambassador! 🗺️ Volunteer to help care for the Civil War Defenses of Washington T...
06/10/2026

🗺️ Choose your own adventure as a Trail Ambassador! 🗺️

Volunteer to help care for the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail—and choose the section you want to work on!

This 6.5‑mile trail connects five Civil War–era forts across southeast/northeast Washington, DC, offering a mix of scenery, history, and outdoor exploration.

As a Trail Ambassador, you’ll select, monitor, and maintain your own trail section. Tasks include trimming overgrown vegetation, removing litter, noting trail conditions, and helping visitors.

Which fort calls to you?

- Fort Stanton, with its original masonry bastions?

- Fort Davis, lined with splendid, towering trees?

- Fort Dupont, home to summer concerts and rolling hills?

- Fort Chaplin, a peaceful green pocket in a busy cityscape?

- Fort Mahan, full of hidden-gem walking paths?

Whichever you choose, you’ll play an important role in conserving the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail for everyone who enjoys it. Show your fort-itude and apply today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

Photo: NPS / Conall Rubin-Thomas

Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday with Frederick Douglass! To commemorate this landmark anniversary, a public read...
06/09/2026

Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday with Frederick Douglass! To commemorate this landmark anniversary, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence will be held on the front lawn of Cedar Hill starting at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 4th. Brush up on your public speaking skills, because you’re invited to participate!

For more info, visit https://www.nps.gov/nace/planyourvisit/4th-of-july.htm

(NPS Photo)

Address

1411 W Street SE
Washington D.C., DC
20020

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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