Frederick Douglass National Historic Site - An Overview

1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
Phone: 202-426-5961
Email

Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer who became a leader of the abolitionist movement. He spent his life fighting for equality and fought to prove that slaves were equal to all men and should be allowed to live in the country as independent citizens. The words of Frederick Douglass still inspire people today.

Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born into slavery in Talbot County, MD. Raised by his grandmother, he had a tough life. While working, he secretly taught himself how to read and write. That was how he was introduced to newspapers and political materials. In fact, Douglass later credited The Columbian Orator for defining his views of freedom.

In 1838, Douglass successfully escaped slavery by boarding a train to Havre de Grace, MD and continuing onto New York. Douglass settled in New Bedford, and began reaching out to the community. He joined a church and regularly attended abolitionist meetings. Douglass also attended meetings of the Bristol Anti-Slavery Society and was even asked to speak at one. He told his story and afterwards was encouraged to become an anti-slavery lecturer.

The site is open seven days a week but is closed on Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1st. Summer hours (April 16-October 15) are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while winter hours (October 16-April 15) are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Keep in mind that the weather in DC is pretty humid in the summer while winters are typically mild. You can always call 202-426-5961 for current conditions.

There are no fees or permits required to visit. If you are traveling in a group of 10 more more, you are encouraged to reserve a spot by calling 877-444-6777 or visit Reserve America.

The site is really easy to get to by Metro. Get off at the Anacostia stop on the Green Line and take the B2 bus in the direction of Mt. Ranier. There is a bus stop directly in front of the Douglass home at the corner of 14th and W streets. You can then walk to the visitor center at 15th and W Streets SE.

If you are traveling by bus in the DC area, the B2, 90, U2, 93, A42, A46, A48, P1, P2, and P6 all stop within 2 blocks of the site.

Visitors who are driving to DC have numerous ways to get there:

• From I-495/95 Beltway
  Take Exit 3 north onto Indian Head highway (MD 210), which becomes South Capitol Street. Bear right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Turn right on W Street and the visitor center parking lot will be on your right.

• From the National Mall
  Travel South on 9th Street to I-395 north. Exit onto I-295 south and cross the 11th Street Bridge. Exit onto Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Turn left on W Street and the visitor center parking lot will be on your right.

• From I-295 South
  Take exit 3B for Howard Road and turn left onto Howard Road. Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Turn right onto W street and the site will be 4 blocks down on your right.

Tour the Frederick Douglass House: Ranger-led tours of the home explore the last 18 years of Mr. Douglass' life (1877-1895) when he lived there. Remember, reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. Check out the tour times below:

• Mid-June - Labor Day:
  9:00, 12:15, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00

• Labor Day - Mid-October:
  9:00, 12:15, 1:45, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00

• Mid-October - Mid-April:
  9:00, 12:15, 1:45, 3:00, 3:30

• Mid-April - Mid-June:
  9:00, 12:15, 1:45, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00

Check out the grounds: This is a great spot to see a great view of downtown Washington as well as stopping for a picnic (but take your trash with you).

Visitor Center: Here you can pick up reserved tickets, study exhibits, watch Fighter for Freedom (a 17-minute movie about Douglass' life), or visit the book store.