The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, administered by the National Park Service, is located at 1411 W Street, SE, in Anacostia, a neighborhood east of the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, D.C. United States.
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After being closed for 3 years since the pandemic, Frederick Douglass house opened on the 4th of July. The Frederick Douglass House, located in Washington, D.C., is a significant historic site that provides visitors with a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of America's most prominent abolitionists and orators. As a visitor to this landmark, I had the opportunity to explore the house and learn about Frederick Douglass's remarkable journey. Here is my review, highlighting the pros and cons of the Frederick Douglass House.
Pros:
Historical Significance: The Frederick Douglass House holds immense historical value. It was the residence of Frederick Douglass himself from 1877 until his death in 1895. The house offers a unique insight into the life of a key figure in the fight against slavery and the struggle for civil rights. Exploring the rooms where Douglass lived and worked is a powerful experience.
Informative Guided Tours: The guided tours at the Frederick Douglass House are exceptional. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides provide detailed explanations about Douglass's life, his contributions to the abolitionist movement, and his impact on American history. They bring the stories to life, making the visit engaging and educational.
Authenticity: The Frederick Douglass House has been meticulously restored to reflect the period when Douglass lived there. The attention to detail is evident in the furnishings, artwork, and decor, transporting visitors back in time. This dedication to authenticity enhances the overall experience and allows visitors to better understand Douglass's living conditions. They also updated the HVAC!
Cons:
Limited Accessibility: The Frederick Douglass House is a historic building, and as such, it presents some accessibility challenges. The structure has stairs and uneven surfaces, which may make it difficult for visitors with mobility issues to navigate. While efforts have been made to improve accessibility, including an elevator, some areas remain inaccessible.
Limited Parking: The availability of parking spaces in the immediate vicinity is limited, which may require visitors to park further away and walk a considerable distance. It is advisable to plan accordingly and consider alternative transportation options such as public transit or rideshare services.
Relatively Small Site: The Frederick Douglass House, while historically significant, is relatively small in size. The number of rooms accessible to visitors is limited, and the overall tour duration may be shorter compared to other historical sites. Visitors seeking a more extensive exploration may find themselves wanting more.
Frederick Douglass House is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the life and achievements of Frederick Douglass. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as limited accessibility and potential crowds, the experience of exploring this historic site and understanding Douglass's impactful legacy is...
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You can't live in DC and NOT visit the Frederick Douglass House. It's part of our city and country's history and your visit will inspire you to fight for freedom and equality for all. Here's why you need to visit:
It's open every day except Christmas Day and offers five tours each day, 7 days a week. Signing up online in advance is recommended as each tour slot is capped at 10 people and costs $1.50 per ticket. Tour times each day are 9AM, 12:15PM, 1:15PM, 3PM, and 4PM led by a ranger (National Park Services runs the historic site). Tours last 30 minutes.
The location is great! It's in SE DC on a hill with a beautiful view of the city and its famous monuments. Even though you're in the middle of the city, you feel like you're escaping for an hour.
The staff are friendly and parking is free. Once you park, follow the signs to the visitors center where you will watch a movie about Douglass' life, see a few small exhibits, and shop in the site's store. Then you'll walk up the hill to the house. The only way to get in is on an official tour where you'll walk through the house learning about Douglass' life. After the tour, visit The Growlery in the back yard before walking down to your car.
Take the time to enjoy the nature, history, and find the sacred bench on the property. I won't spoil the fun, but if you find the bench, leave your name in the journal underneath.
This is a must do for all visitors...
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Wow. I learned more about this man and his legacy via a 15 min tour than I did in school. The house is amazing! Beautifully upkept since the 1800s early 1900s same as it was left. You literally step onto a time portal. I didnt like that their park rangers were not giving out proper instructions and information about the tours start time. When I walked in and being someone who had never been there before I asked them everything to take the tour and those 2 rangers gave me a wrong time, didn't say I needed a ticket, told me to meet right where we were standing but it was actually supposed to be somewhere else. And for that I was there for an hour and missed the tour because of the rangers failure to explain what to do. They didn't know when the shuttle buses were coming and going. I mean they were not that organized. It was strange! The book store clerk was extra helpful and thr tour guide was even more. They seem VERY protective of F.D. and its interesting that he died with women protecting him and to this present day...
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