Dear Friends of the National Park Service:

Each year the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (FDNHS) sponsors an oratorical contest open to students across the country. During the contest participants are asked to recite an excerpt from one of Frederick Douglass' speeches. Other guidelines for the contest are enclosed.

FDNHS is dedicated to the legacy of one of America's greatest abolitionists, orators, suffragists, and civil rights activists. Frederick Douglass lived at Cedar Hill, now FDNHS, from 1877 until his death in 1895. He served as U.S. Marshal and Recorder of Deeds for Washington, D.C., Minister to Haiti, and adviser to five U.S. Presidents. It was at his Cedar Hill home that he wrote his autobiography "The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass" and many other memorable speeches and articles.

It is the mission of the National Park Service, the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association, Frederick Douglass Housing Corporation, and many others to continue his worthy legacy. We hope that you, too, will join in the effort to share this history by sponsoring a contest within your school and sending three of your winning students to compete during the week of December 4, 2006, with other participants here at FDNHS.

In February of 2007 the winners will be invited back to FDNHS to celebrate Douglass' birthday and will receive recognition of their accomplishments, as well as their school's participation. Enclosed is pertinent information about the contest and an entry form. Please contact program coordinators Eola  Dance for applications and additional information at (202) 426-5961.

Sincerely,

Julie Galonska
Site Manager
Frederick Douglass NHS

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