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Caption: Frederick Douglass A #BlackHistoryMonth Story
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Caption: Born into slavery, Frederick 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.
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Caption: A great place to learn about Douglass is Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, DC. Once known as Cedar Hill, Douglass’s estate is now preserved and interpreted by the National Park Service.
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Caption: Douglass lived at Cedar Hill from 1878 until his death in 1895. His home provided the backdrop to his active political and warm family life. The spacious estate and well-furnished rooms are a testament to Douglass' lifelong struggle to overcome entrenched prejudice.
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Caption: Frederick Douglass's library is a special place. Lit by three large windows, books on almost every imaginable subject fill the many bookcases. In the center of the room, a large desk sits awaiting the author's next great sentence. Douglass was a true man of letters, and his ideas seem to fill the room. It is a place where almost it seems possible to touch the mind of Frederick Douglass.
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Caption: Douglass’ bedroom contains many of his personal things. People often remark on a set of dumbbells which Douglass used as part of his daily exercise regime. His Panama hat and clothing are also on display along with a lithograph of Douglass as a young man.
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Caption: Exploring the house, visitors can find details that reveal parts of Douglass’s history and personality. These curtain ties reminded him of the inhumanity of slavery.
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Caption: Set behind the house is a small building called the Growlery. Equipped with a fireplace and small desk, it was a place Douglass could be alone and growl about ideas.
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Caption: Cedar Hill enjoys a commanding view of the Capitol Dome, Washington Monument and the Anacostia River. It remains an important cornerstone of the historic Anacostia community.
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Caption: Committed to freedom, Douglass dedicated his life to achieving justice for all Americans, in particular African-Americans, women, and minority groups. He envisioned America as an inclusive nation strengthened by diversity and free of discrimination. Abraham Lincoln referred to him as the most meritorious man of the nineteenth century.
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Caption: Photo Credits Historic portrait of Frederick Douglass courtesy of the National Archives
Growlery image by National Park Service
All other photos by Tami Heilemann, Department of the Interior
For more information, go to
www.nps.gov/frdo