2018 is the Bicentennial of Frederick Douglass' Birth

2018 marks two hundred years since the birth of famed author, orator, abolitionist, and statesman Frederick Douglass in February 1818. The National Park Service is celebrating the occasion with a party on February 17th and 18th from 10 am to 4 pm at Douglass' home in Anacostia.

Picture of Frederick Douglass
by redbook

*This site is not affiliated with the National Park Service. Purchases made from this site do not benefit NPS.

First African-American Senator

For Black History Month, we honoring famous African-Americans with ties to Washington DC.

Hiram Revels was the first African-American elected to the United States Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi and completed the term that had been abandoned by Jefferson Davis. Revels took his oath of office for the Senate on February 25, 1870.

Mr. Douglass Comes to Washington

Since February is Black History Month, we're honoring prominent African-Americans who had ties to Washington DC.

In 1872, Frederick Douglass moved to Washington DC. Originally, he and his family lived on A Street on Capitol Hill. He later purchased an estate that he renamed Cedar Hill in Southeast Washington. During his residence in Washington, Douglass held several important posts, including Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia and U.S. Marshal of the District of Columbia.


Framed Frederick Douglass Portrait

Remembering Black History Month: Pearl Fryar

Topiary artist Pearl Fryar didn't know what a topiary was when he set out to be the first African-American to win his town's Garden of the Month award in 1984. Today his 3 acre yard in Bishopville, S.C. is a tourist destination for visitors from around the world. Fryar is the subject of the documentary A Man Named Pearl.

Remebering Black History Month: Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth was born a slave named Isabella in 1797. The abolitionist later changed her name to reflect her life's work. She viewed herself as a traveling orator called to tell the truth of God's Word and the sin of slavery. Truth also spoke often on women's rights.

Sojourner Truth White T-shirt

Remembering Black History Month: 1st Black Senator

Hiram Revels was the first African-American elected to the United States Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi and completed the term that had been abandoned by Jefferson Davis.


Hiram Revels Postcards (Package of 8)

Remembering Black History Month: Frederick Douglass

African-American abolitionist Frederick Douglass is well-known as an outstanding historical figure of 19th century America. He was an orator who spoke against slavery and a writer who published the "North Star", an anti-slavery newspaper. In 1845, Frederick Douglass published the slave narrative, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. It was the first of his three autobiographies.
His Connection to Washington DC
In 1872, Douglass came to live in DC. He served the city in several capacities, including US Marshall for the District of Columbia.


Framed Frederick Douglass Portrait

Remembering Black History Month: Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was a key figure in America's anti-slavery movement during the 19th century. Known as the "Moses of her People", Tubman was the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. She is believed to have led over 300 slaves to freedom. She also spied for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Harriet Tubman Button