Frederick Douglass was a courageous, inspiring, and dynamic figure who spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Visit Douglass’s D.C. home, the beautifully preserved Victorian mansion Cedar Hill, and peruse a collection of thousands of original objects that belonged to the Douglass family. Small group tours must be reserved online and are the only way to see the interior of the home.

In 1877, Frederick Douglass bought a home on Cedar Hill in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which would become his namesake historic site. Since the house was in a part of the District with covenants against African Americans and other groups owning property, it was particularly significant that he made it both his family home and command post. Today, the house and its contents are mostly original.

“There are so many beautiful, historic landmarks here that people forget about, and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is one of them. You can go see the house that Frederick Douglass lived in, and it’s open to the public. I’m super in mom mode, so I think it’s great you can take your kids and walk around and talk about history and this incredible abolitionist. It’s one of the hidden gems of DC.”

Frederick Douglass self-emancipated in 1838 and quickly became a leading figure in the abolition and suffrage movements. A talented orator, writer, and abolitionist, Douglass spoke and wrote about his experience as an enslaved person. During the Civil War, he worked tirelessly to ensure emancipation would be one of the war’s outcomes. In 1872, Douglass and his family moved to a home in Washington, D.C., now preserved as Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

It took two generations to establish and restore this spot as a National Historic Site. Cedar Hill is the Southeast DC home where escaped slave turned preeminent orator and scholar, Frederick Douglass, lived his final years. Now serving as an educational center, Cedar Hill runs tours and sponsors family-friendly events throughout the year, including Douglass’s birthday celebration.

Frederick Douglass was a courageous, inspiring, and dynamic figure who spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Visit Douglass’s D.C. home, the beautifully preserved Victorian mansion Cedar Hill, and peruse a collection of thousands of original objects that belonged to the Douglass family. Small group tours must be reserved online and are the only way to see the interior of the home. Before you go, be sure to check the park's website to see what's open and accessible!