Home of the famous writer, orator, publisher, abolitionist and statesman, this park is a compelling window into the life of a pioneering historic figure.

This historic site preserves the 8.5 acres known as Cedar Hill and includes the main house and gardens, as well as an extensive collection of personal effects belonging to Douglass and his family. Douglass moved to Cedar Hill in 1877 and lived there for 18 years. During that time, he served as U.S. minister to Haiti and as U.S. marshal for the District of Columbia as he continued to write about and speak out for human rights and equality until his death on February 20, 1895.

Politically Photogenic

Douglass was the most photographed American of the 19th century, sitting for more portraits than even Abraham Lincoln. Douglass intentionally sought out the cameras, believing that photography was an important tool for achieving civil rights because it offered a way to portray African Americans fairly and accurately.

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