June 2018

Honoring a Rochester Revolutionary

In Rochester, Maryland, and the United States at large, 2018 has been declared the year of Frederick Douglass. The 200th anniversary of the birthday declared by Douglass himself has been marked by diverse celebrations and memorials, with many more to come. One particularly meaningful New York event commemorating Douglass’ bicentennial will be held in part at Frederick Douglass Memorial Square in Highland Park. The annual Frederick Douglass Freedom Festival will stop at this local landmark for a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, June 9th, at 1:30 pm. Then on Sunday, June 10th, at 2:30 pm, a motorcade will travel from Favor Street to the monument and the Douglass gravesite in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

A Little History

Throughout his life, Douglass was the leader of the abolitionist movement, a legendary social reformer, human rights advocate, brilliant writer, gifted orator, father and husband, advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and several other presidents, a distinguished statesman and more. Douglass called Rochester home from 1847 to 1872, and lived here longer than anywhere else in his life. He is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.

For 50 years, the Friends of Frederick Douglass has been holding this summer event commemorating Douglass’s life and inspiring others to use his legacy today.

For a wealth of information on Douglass’ legacy and his impact on Rochester, visit the Frederick Douglass’s Rochester website.