Preserving the Home of an American Icon

An illustration of the façade of Cedar Hill.

Library of Congress

When John W. Van Hook built a home in the 1850s, he likely never imagined that nearly two centuries later that same home would host hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Its next owner, Frederick Douglass, may have realized just that detail. Writing late in life he observed, “There are some…places made sacred…by the events with which they are associated, especially those which have…revealed new powers and triumphs of the human soul.” Douglass himself was a frequent visitor to world historic sites, including repeated visits to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Upon his passing, his will intended the home and fifteen acres to his widow, Helen Pitts Douglass.

BUILDING A FIRM FOUNDATION

Mr. Douglass’s will endured legal challenges, and in the end, Mrs. Douglass took out a mortgage of $15,000 to buy out the claims of Douglass family members. The home, Cedar Hill, was now hers to “make it a national monument and memorial to the memory of her illustrious husband.” Invoking Mount Vernon, the site she had visited often with her late husband, she was committed to preserving Cedar Hill for future generations.

The next year – 1896 – Helen Douglass reached out to other organizations to assist in this task. She knew this would be mammoth undertaking that would require the commitment of generations. The mortgage was necessary to begin saving the home, but it was too daunting for her to pay off independently. She knew that.

On June 6, 1900, Congress chartered the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association (FDMHA) for the “sole purpose of preserving the Douglass home and its contents.” Original board members included many close friends of Frederick Douglass, like Rev. Francis Grimke. The newly chartered FDMHA worked together to discern how to repay the loan, and as they struggled, Mrs. Douglass was optimistic that as they continued to increase awareness folks “would wholeheartedly support the movement to preserve the home.”

Upon her death in 1903, Helen Douglass’s will gave the home and land to the FDMHA.

 

Restoration of the front staircase.

Library of Congress

STRENGTHENING A FIRM FOUNDATION

In the years following Helen Douglass’s passing, the FDMHA struggled to grow public interest. They wrote letters, editorials, and spoke often about the financial needs. Eventually, a few folks began to notice, such as Chicago-based Ida. B. Wells-Barnett. Grateful for the information, she noted, “What the race does not know, it cannot do.”

The Trustees of the FDMHA did what Helen Douglass had previously done and sought assistance. In 1916, the FDMHA partnered with the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC), led by President Mary Talbert. The NACWC formed a ‘Douglass Home Committee.’ This partnership soon paid off the loan and restored the home and grounds, celebrating with a ceremony at the home in 1922.

The partnership continued for decades, though it was not always smooth sailing. Sometimes the FDMHA & NACWC worked well together, other times were less than ideal for both groups. The commitment to the common goal of preservation united them, though finances were a never-ending problem. The older a home gets, the more care it requires. Titans like Nannie Helen Burroughs, Mary McLeod Bethune, Fredericka Sprague, and Sallie W. Stewart worked together to preserve the home.

 

Restoration of the East Parlor.

Library of Congress

By 1928, the organizations had a caretaker living on the property and built a new Cottage behind Cedar Hill. As caretakers – like Gladys Parham – came and went over the coming decades, Cedar Hill had good and bad years. Money did not always keep up with the repair needs, as the NACWC had other pressing financial matters on their own end. The fragile condition of Cedar Hill led to occasional tension between leaders of the FDMHA & NACWC over the years. Historian Dr. Sharon Harley observed, “The two groups were constantly caught in a series of power plays and the Douglass Home suffered as a result.” Creative fundraising strategies were attempted throughout the decades, including selling off a portion of the grounds to a developer to generate a continuous revenue stream. This, too, went awry and the budget issues continued while the home continued aging into its second century.

SECURING A FIRM FOUNDATION

In the 1950s, Rosa Gragg & Mary E.C. Gregory, representing the NACWC & FDMHA, were reaching out hoping Congress would take the property. Head of this committee, Ella P. Stewart noted, “I see no alternative at this time.” They continued attempting to care for the home, but the condition only deteriorated and large-scale repairs were required.

In 1962, the Senate subcommittee on public lands held a hearing regarding Cedar Hill with several women representing the NACWC & FDMHA. As the Federal Government considered taking over the property, the DC Government submitted a condemnation notice for the home. The home would need major work, and on September 6, 1962 legislation passed and with the signature of President John F. Kennedy, the transfer was underway. Over the next 10 years, the National Park Service completed a full restoration of Cedar Hill. Open to the public in 1972, Cedar Hill once again shown in its full glory.

 

A view of the Douglass Home from the hillside.

NPS Photo

Helen Pitts Douglass’s original vision had been achieved, however, “there were countless, often unnamed women and men who gave of themselves and their limited resources to help preserve Cedar Hill.”

For a more in-depth knowledge of the women "Saviors of Cedar Hill", click here.