New Bedford’s rich history includes many compelling and important stories. One hundred eighty years ago, in September of 1838, Frederick and Anna Douglass arrived in New Bedford just two weeks after escaping Maryland, and Frederick’s enslavement. Douglass’ powerful legacy as an abolitionist and orator would make him one of the most important people in the country in the 19th century. This year is the bicentennial of Douglass, who was born in 1818. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, in collaboration with New Bedford Historical Society, will present a day to commemorate the arrival of Frederick and his wife Anna on Sunday, 9/16, beginning at 1:00 pm at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford.
The program will begin in the park’s MakerSpace at 1:00 pm. Historian and costumed interpreter Guy Peartree will bring the spirit of an elder Frederick Douglass to life. On display there will also be two books that Douglass actually owned, the Seraph, (a hymnal) and works of Robert Burns. The elder Mr. Douglass will make his way to Union and South Water Streets, on the present-day lawn of the YMCA, where he will “meet up” with his younger, twenty-year-old self and wife. The public is invited to gather there beginning at 1:30 pm. At 2 pm the young couple will make its way to the Nathan and Mary (Polly) Johnson House, with the public marching with them.
At 2:30 pm, NB Historical Society begins its formal program with the Toni Morrison Society presenting a special bench to the New Bedford Historical Society and its membership. The Bench by the Road Project places benches to recognize sites and people important to the history of the African diaspora. Blake says the bench will be situated in the backyard of the Nathan and Polly Johnson House, where Frederick and Anna Douglass found their first free home in New Bedford. An accompanying plaque near the bench will recognize the Johnson House as an Underground Railroad landmark owned by black abolitionists who offered refuge for at least seven freedom seekers, including Frederick and Anna Douglass, the Molyneux-Gibson family, and the family of William H. Brown, abolitionist and the first African American novelist, according to a news release from the New Bedford Historical Society.
In addition, Kenneth Morris, president of the Frederick Douglass Foundation and great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass, will be speaking that day. Mayor Jon Mitchell will proclaim the First Annual Frederick Douglass Day on September 17. The event will include music and refreshments.
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