Accessibility

We strive to make the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site accessible for everybody. Please contact us with your questions or concerns.
 
Physical / Mobility

A wheelchair is available for visitors to borrow while at the site and can be requested at the visitor center.

Parking Lot: There are two designated accessible spaces near the visitor center entrance. The parking lot is paved.

Visitor Center: The visitor center is a single-level building at street level. Doors at the entrance and restrooms can only be opened manually.

Historic House: The historic house is a multi-level building on top of a large hill. It is 50 feet above street level. There is a paved ramp between the visitor center / parking lot area and the top of the hill. With staff permission, you can use a personal vehicle (no larger than a 15-passenger van) to access the top of the hill. Please be advised that wheelchairs more than 27.5 inches wide will not fit through the narrowest door frame on the first floor. The second floor can only be reached by stairs, as there is no elevator inside the house. Staff can provide a photo tour of the second floor for any visitors unable to reach it.
 

Deaf / Hearing Loss

Visitor Center: The 19-minute film "Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story" is open-captioned. Assistive listening devices are available by request.

Historic House: Assistive listening devices are available by request for the house tour. If you would like to request an American Sign Language interpreter, please notify us two weeks in advance by contacting us.

 

Blind / Low Vision

Visitor Center: Descriptive listening devices are available by request for the 19-minute film "Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story." A tactile statue of Frederick Douglass stands in the visitor center.

 
Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in both the visitor center and historic house. See the U.S. Department of Justice's website for a definition of a service animal.
 
  • An old office furnished with wooden chairs, a desk, and bookshelves

    Virtual Tour

    See inside Frederick Douglass's historic house from wherever you are.

  • A group of visitors in front of a historic house

    Things to Do

    Tour the historic house, see exhibits, explore the grounds, and watch the film.

  • A sign for the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site visitor center with leaves in foreground

    Basic Information

    Find out about operating hours and seasons, fees and passes, and permits and reservations.

Last updated: September 16, 2016

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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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