Frederick Douglass
On ibiblio.org, you can read the full text of an eloquent autobiography of Frederick Douglass, a book borne out of his emancipation from the extreme circumstances of slavery. We recommend it for upper high school and college students studying the US history of enslaved persons.
The House, Museum, and Grounds
The Frederick Douglass House is at the corner of 15th and W in southeast Washington, DC. It is owned and operated by the National Park Service. The hilltop house rises above a long stairway up the front lawn. Check in for the tour at the adjacent museum where you will find a theater showing a biographical film, a gift shop, and impressive artifacts from his life displayed in glass cases.
The house itself is a journey back in time with a far-reaching view of D.C. Most of the belongings exhibited in this three-story home were his everyday living items, including his walking canes, travel trunk, books, clothes, musical instruments, and original furnishings.
At the back of the property, at a great distance behind the house, is a small structure where Douglass spent private time reading, studying, and writing his thoughts.
Tour the house and grounds, even if you have not yet read the book, as the life and wisdom of Frederick Douglass are important and inspirational for anyone who believes in freedom. Schedule a tour reservation at least one day in advance online here: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234636. All tours are guided, thanks to the National Park Service, staff, and docents. It is not close to a Metro stop so it is best to arrive by car.
Our short video about the Frederick Douglass homestead can be seen here: https://youtu.be/LyHJDe0Kvqs.
Frederick Douglass’s house is the final stop on our District of Columbia Author Adventures Trail.
Patricia Smart
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