For Kids

Back when Frederick Douglass used to live at Cedar Hill, his grandchildren loved to visit. Today, kids of all ages still enjoy exploring the house and grounds, just as the Douglass grandchildren did more than 100 years ago.
 
The logo for the Junior Ranger program

Junior Ranger Program

Becoming a Junior Ranger is easy and fun! Ask a ranger for a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center, complete at least eight activities, and then turn your booklet back into the visitor center. The ranger will review your work, swear you in as a Junior Ranger, and issue you a Junior Ranger badge. If you wish to complete the Junior Ranger Booklet before your visit, email DouglassNHS@nps.gov to request a copy of the booklet.

Even if you cannot visit the site, you can still become a Junior Ranger from home. Email DouglassNHS@nps.gov to receive a copy of the booklet, complete at least eight activities, and mail it via USPS or email it to the same email address provided above. We will mail you the Junior Ranger badge and a signed certificate.

The Junior Ranger program is available at many other National Park Service sites. Learn more at Kids in Parks.

 
A card with a historic photograph of Frederick Douglass on it

Civil War to Civil Rights Trading Cards

These trading cards reveal more about the role that Frederick Douglass and his comrades played in helping to end slavery and expand civil rights. Ask a ranger about the cards during your visit. There are five available on-site:

  • Frederick Douglass
  • Blanche K. Bruce
  • The North Star
  • Wendell Phillips
  • The Planter
Many sites in the National Park system have trading cards for you to collect! See them all on the official Flickr page for the Civil War to Civil Rights trading cards.
 

Annual Oratorical Contest

Every year in December, the National Park Service hosts an oratorical contest at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to show off their public speaking skills and find inspiration in the words of Frederick Douglass. Learn more on our Oratorical Contest page.

 
Park officials stand next to four students smiling and holding plaques
Winners of the Oratorical Contest are awarded plaques and invited to recite their speeches at the annual Frederick Douglass birthday celebration.

NPS / N. Johnson

Last updated: May 6, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020

Phone:

771-208-1499
This phone number is to the ranger offices at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

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