News Release

Frederick Douglass Home to reopen July 4

Date: June 22, 2023
Contact: Chelsea Sullivan, 202-619-7177

WASHINGTON— Join us at the reopening of Frederick Douglass National Historic Site on July 4! The celebration will start at 11 a.m. with a special ceremony featuring a ribbon-cutting, music, and a dramatic portrayal of Douglass’s famous speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”  

Following the ceremony, visitors will be able to walk through the first floor of the historic home from 12:30 – 3 p.m. Ranger-lead tours of the entire house will be available from 3 – 5 p.m., with timed tickets available at the event.  

Initially closed in March 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic home remained closed so a new HVAC system could be installed.  

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site following this important project,” Tara D. Morrison, park superintendent, said. “The new HVAC system provides a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is essential to preserving the home and the 3,000 items that belonged to Douglass—one of the largest collections of Frederic Douglass’s items.”  

Changing humidity levels cause damage to historic oil paintings and the finish on furniture.   

The new HVAC system comes with extra protections and benefits, including a backup generator, reduced energy use and a sensor in each room that can be adjusted remotely. The HVAC system replacement was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation. 

Starting July 5, the home will be open for timed-entry tours Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged and can be made on Recreation.gov. 

Frederick Douglass purchased the home in 1877 and it welcomed about 65,000 visitors each year, prior to 2020. In his later years, Douglass was deemed the “Sage of Anacostia,” an accolade that celebrated his indominable intellectual spirit. At his home on Cedar Hill, every object tells a story. The collection includes the pen he wrote his memoirs with, the writing desk where he wrote speeches, his extensive library and his walking sticks.   

-NPS-