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Special Event

Event

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Fee:

Free.

Dates & Times

Date:

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Time:

11:00 AM

Duration:

2 hours

Type of Event

Children’s Program
Guided Tour
Living History
Performance
Talk

Description

On July 5th, 1848, Frederick Douglass delivered this speech at Corinthian Hall where he challenged America to live up to its promise of "liberty and justice for all". This speech continues to resonate with contemporary audiences as it challenges us to think about the meaning of freedom.

Join us on Saturday, July 5th at 11 am for this annual program where this famous Douglass speech is recited from the front porch of Cedar Hill and a ranger will discuss the historic context of the speech.  The program will be followed by a public reading of the entire speech and tours of Cedar Hill.  Free.  No reservations required.

Reservation or Registration: No

Image Gallery

Image of a young Frederick Douglass with an American flag in the background and large white text
Image of a young Frederick Douglass with an American flag in the background and large white text
Poster advertising "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" 2025 Program
NPS
Tags: frederick douglass frederick douglass home frederick douglass national historic site black history african american history independence day fourth of july american independence suffrage civil rights civil war to civil rights