frederick douglass

Barn at Cedar Hill - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Photograph taken in the 1930s of Frederick Douglass's barn. This view is looking south from the historic house. The barn is no longer standing.

Cartoon Attacking Frederick and Helen Douglass

Racist cartoon attacking Frederick Douglass for his marriage to Helen Pitts. This cartoon is an example of the furor the marriage evoked.

Frederick Douglass at Mount Vernon

Frederick Douglass at Mount Vernon Public domain photograph of historic place in Washington DC, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Frederick Douglass with the Pitts sisters

Frederick Douglass with Helen Pitts Douglass (seated, right) and her sister Eva Pitts (standing, center).

Frederick Douglass and an Unidentified Group

Frederick Douglass (seated on right) in a crowd at an unknown location.

Helen Pitts Douglass and Jane Wells Pitts

Frederick Douglass's second wife, Helen Pitts Douglass, and her mother, Jane Wells Pitts.

View of Cedar Hill - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

View of Cedar Hill from the corner of W and 14th Streets. Photograph taken in the 1930s.

Barn and Growlery - National Parks Gallery

Photograph taken in the 1930s looking south from the historic house. Frederick Douglass's barn and Growlery are visible, and a clothesline stretches over the backyard from between two trees.

Frederick Douglass FRDO 3875 - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...

Frederick Douglass Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Folklore, Frederick Douglass papers

A document from LOC collection of correspondence between Frederick Douglass and his peers. Frederick Douglass was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who lived in th... More

Tribute in Memory of William Cooper Nell

A document from LOC collection of correspondence between Frederick Douglass and his peers. Frederick Douglass was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who lived in th... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Cambridge, Indiana, to Maria Weston Ch...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Cambridge, Indiana, to Maria Weston Ch...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Cambridge, Indiana, to Maria Weston Ch...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Cambridge, Indiana, to Maria Weston Ch...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Boston, [Mass.], to Maria Weston Chapm...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Limerick, [Ireland], to Richard Davis ...

Frederick Douglass asks R.D. Webb to set a time for the upcoming Birmingham meeting. He then says he has to break the Dublin engagement due to schedule conflicts. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Limerick, [Ireland], to Richard Davis ...

Frederick Douglass writes to R.D. Webb that accompanying Wright would be detrimental to their success due to their differences. He says that his mission is purely anti-slavery one, whereas Wright is a reformer ... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Liverpool [England], to Richard Davis ...

Frederick Douglass describes a difficult visit to the “H--” family. He says that Jesse H.’s “warm and friendly manner .. induced in [Douglass himself], a pang of regret for the course of action [he] had seen fi... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast [Ireland], to Richard Davis We...

Frederick Douglass asks R. D. Webb to send him 50 copies of ["A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave"] so that he can sell them. He says he thinks it would be better to break his Birmi... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast [Ireland], to Richard Davis We...

Frederick Douglass says he thinks he should stay in Belfast longer than planned to make a real impact, and asks Webb to release him from the Birmingham engagement. The morning’s paper “took a favorable notice” ... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Holden (Ms) [Mass.], to Anne Warren We...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast [Ireland], to Richard Davis We...

Frederick Douglass asks R. D. Webb to send him 50 copies of ["A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave"] so that he can sell them. He says he thinks it would be better to break his Birmi... More

Frederick Douglass in 1845 FRDO 10995

Frederick Douglass Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast [Ireland], to Richard Davis We...

Frederick Douglass describes in detail his visit to Birmingham, where he attended “the Anniversary [meeting] of the B[i]rmingham temperance society." He met many people and was invited to speak, although the co... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast [Ireland], to Richard Davis We...

Douglass acknowledges receiving 50 books from Webb, and talks about letters of introduction and recommendation he is working to obtain from various people. He reports about the meetings he is having in the Inde... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast [Ireland], to Richard Davis We...

Frederick Douglass asks R.D. Webb to send him fifty books, [possibly fifty copies of "A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave"]. He also says he is enclosing a note that he wrote in has... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast, [Ireland], to Richard Davis W...

Frederick Douglass describes his arrival at Belfast. He says he expects some difficulties there since the Methodist ministers in Cork and Dublin wrote to Belfast against him. He then talks about the possibility... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Aberdeen [Scotland], to Richard Davis ...

Frederick Douglass makes a request to R.D. Webb that he send more [copies of “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave”] to Glasgow, where he will spend several days. He then gives plans f... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Dundee [Scotland], to Richard Davis We...

Frederick Douglass reports to R.D. Webb about a successful meeting he had in Dundee. He says that the Free church of Scotland had been dismissive of the abolitionists’ efforts until recently, but finally publis... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Kilmarnock (Scotland), to Richard Davi...

Frederick Douglass writes to R.D. Webb that he has not written to him for a few weeks because he had nothing of importance to report. He thanks Webb for the books, the Liberty Bell with a note from Maria Chapma... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Perth [Scotland], to Richard Davis Web...

Frederick Douglass says he agrees with R.D. Webb’s with regards to the alteration to be made on the second edition of his book, [“Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave”], as long as the... More

Partial letter from Frederick Douglass, 10 Salisbury Road, [Edinburgh?...

Frederick Douglass writes to William Lloyd Garrison "to tell thee my good wishes go with thee, and to express the sorrow I felt in parting from one, whom I not only esteem but love." Their were many benefits fr... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Belfast, [Northern Ireland], to Willia...

Frederick Douglass compares his reception in Europe with that of the United States. He tells about his visit to Eton Hall. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Frederick Douglass, [Glasgow [Scotland], to Richard Davis ...

Frederick Douglass acknowledges the reception of Webb’s letter and the books Webb sent. He says that he still does not like the new portrait of himself. Pointing out that Webb was the first to advise to obtain ... More

Partial letter from Frederick Douglass, 10 Salisbury Road, [Edinburgh?...

Frederick Douglass writes to William Lloyd Garrison "to tell thee my good wishes go with thee, and to express the sorrow I felt in parting from one, whom I not only esteem but love." Their were many benefits fr... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Edinburgh [Scotland], to Samuel Hanson...

Frederick Douglass says he writes to Samuel H. Cox with two objects: to deny the charges Cox made of Douglass’s conduct at the World Temperance Convention held in London in August 1846; and to review of Cox’s c... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, [England], to Maria Weston Cha...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Kilmarnock, Scotland, to Maria Weston ...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Glasgow [Scotland], to Richard Davis W...

Frederick Douglass thanks R.D. Webb for sending him a detailed statement of account. He says he will transmit the sum necessary to pay what he owes Webb. He then reports on meetings at Glasgow, and talks about ... More

Partial letter from Frederick Douglass, 10 Salisbury Road, [Edinburgh?...

Frederick Douglass writes to William Lloyd Garrison "to tell thee my good wishes go with thee, and to express the sorrow I felt in parting from one, whom I not only esteem but love." Their were many benefits fr... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Dundee (Scotland), to Francis Jackson,...

Frederick Douglass thanks Francis Jackson for his many kindness, and discusses historical interests of old Scotland. He is travelling with J.N. Buffum, attending meetings (“of the most soul cheering character”)... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Glasgow [Scotland], to Richard Davis W...

Frederick Douglass asks R.D. Webb to clarify the statement of account he sent to him. Douglass believes he has settled all the debts that he owed to Webb. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Partial letter from Frederick Douglass, 10 Salisbury Road, [Edinburgh?...

Frederick Douglass writes to William Lloyd Garrison "to tell thee my good wishes go with thee, and to express the sorrow I felt in parting from one, whom I not only esteem but love." Their were many benefits fr... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Edinburgh [Scotland], to Samuel Hanson...

Frederick Douglass says he writes to Samuel H. Cox with two objects: to deny the charges Cox made of Douglass’s conduct at the World Temperance Convention held in London in August 1846; and to review of Cox’s c... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 3d ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to express his pleasure at her attention and welcome. He says the Darlington meeting was disappointing, and then talks about upcoming events. He says her brother sho... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 3d ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to express his pleasure at her attention and welcome. He says the Darlington meeting was disappointing, and then talks about upcoming events. He says her brother sho... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 3d ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to express his pleasure at her attention and welcome. He says the Darlington meeting was disappointing, and then talks about upcoming events. He says her brother sho... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 3d ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to express his pleasure at her attention and welcome. He says the Darlington meeting was disappointing, and then talks about upcoming events. He says her brother sho... More

Frederick Douglass - Daguerreotype, Public domain

Picryl description: Public domain image of a daguerreotype portrait, early photography, 19th century, Victorian style, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 3d ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to express his pleasure at her attention and welcome. He says the Darlington meeting was disappointing, and then talks about upcoming events. He says her brother sho... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 3d ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to express his pleasure at her attention and welcome. He says the Darlington meeting was disappointing, and then talks about upcoming events. He says her brother sho... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, London, to Elizabeth Pease Nichol, 11 ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Elizabeth Pease to give his address. He then gives an open date for another meeting in Darlington. He says he does not want to leave the country before having a fair opportunity to ... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Francis Jackson, ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Jackson Francis that he is grateful for his kindness. After discussing some bills to be paid, he says he has a short notice in for the week’s North Star of Theodore Parker’s letter ... More

"The Philomethean Society," North Star

A document from LOC collection of correspondence between Frederick Douglass and his peers. Frederick Douglass was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who lived in th... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Francis Jackson, ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Jackson Francis that he is grateful for his kindness. After discussing some bills to be paid, he says he has a short notice in for the week’s North Star of Theodore Parker’s letter ... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Francis Jackson, ...

Frederick Douglass thanks Jackson Francis for his donation. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Elizabeth Pease N...

Frederick Douglass thanks Elizabeth Pease for her donation. He writes, “I commanded the paper against the advice of many of my best friends - and in this I many have acted unwisely.” He describes difficulties o... More

Frederick Douglass - National Parks Gallery

Frederick Douglass addressed an anti-slavery gathering at Independence Square in 1844. His 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” made it clear that the country’s celebrations of independence ha... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Richard Davis Web...

Frederick Douglass writes to R. D. Webb that he regrets the circumstance of Deborah and Susannah, which necessitated giving up North Star subscription. He then talks about the “cool feeling” with which he thoug... More

World's Columbian Exposition, Frederick Douglass papers

Includes references to President Hyppolite.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Samuel May, Jr., ...

Frederick Douglass writes to Samuel May Jr. that he is unable to attend Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society meeting on July 4th because of Cincinnati engagement. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Drafts of Douglass' Autobiography - p. 364

A document from LOC collection of correspondence between Frederick Douglass and his peers. Frederick Douglass was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who lived in th... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Richard Davis Web...

Frederick Douglass writes to R. D. Webb that he regrets the circumstance of Deborah and Susannah, which necessitated giving up North Star subscription. He then talks about the “cool feeling” with which he thoug... More

[Frederick Douglass, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing right]

Date and photographer information from: Picturing Frederick Douglass / John Stauffer. New York : Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2015, p. 185.

Drafts of Douglass' Autobiography - p. 261

A document from LOC collection of correspondence between Frederick Douglass and his peers. Frederick Douglass was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who lived in th... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Richard Davis Web...

Frederick Douglass writes to R. D. Webb that he regrets the circumstance of Deborah and Susannah, which necessitated giving up North Star subscription. He then talks about the “cool feeling” with which he thoug... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Richard Davis Web...

Frederick Douglass writes to R. D. Webb that he regrets the circumstance of Deborah and Susannah, which necessitated giving up North Star subscription. He then talks about the “cool feeling” with which he thoug... More

Frederick Douglass, 19th century, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Public domain portrait photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester, to Samuel Joseph May, Rev. ...

Frederick Douglass writes to accept an invitation to lecture in Syracuse. Because of his busy schedule he has little choice of evenings, but he will gladly lecture on December 11th. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester, to Samuel Joseph May, Rev. ...

Frederick Douglass writes to accept an invitation to lecture in Syracuse. Because of his busy schedule he has little choice of evenings, but he will gladly lecture on December 11th. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Frederick Douglass, 19th century, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Picryl description: Public domain vintage artistic portrait photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Springfield, Mass, to William Lloyd Ga...

"The Constitution of the United States," (photocopy of the title page)

A document from LOC collection of correspondence between Frederick Douglass and his peers. Frederick Douglass was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who lived in th... More

Frederick Douglass portrait, New Bedford Whaling National Historical P...

Frederick Douglass said, "If the Negro knows enough to pay taxes to support the government, he knows enough to vote; taxation and representation should go together. If he knows enough to shoulder a musket and f... More

Freedom: Abolition - Blackstone River Valley

Even after the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade by the United State government in 1808, slavery continued in the country until the passage of the 13th Amendment at the end of the American Civil War. ... More

Frederick Douglass. Glass Plate Negative, American Civil War time.

African American abolitionist. Public domain photograph - United States during American Civil War, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Frederick Douglass. Mathew Brady photograph of American Civil War peri...

African American abolitionist. Title from unverified information on negative sleeve. Annotation from negative, scratched into emulsion: Fred. Douglas 12 [crossed out]30219, [crossed out] 313. Credit line: Brady... More

Frederick Douglass c. 1862-1865 FRDO 3929

Frederick Douglass Public domain photograph of 19th-century male portrait, middle-aged man, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to Oliver Johnson, M...

Frederick Douglass writes to Oliver Johnson to decline an invitation to a yearly meeting of progressive friends at Longwood. He says, “Duties nearer home completely occupy my time and means for the present.” Co... More

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Rochester [N.Y.], to James Redpath, No...

Frederick Douglass thanks James Redpath for making New England appointments and discusses their schedule. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

[Head-and-shoulders portrait of Frederick Douglass]

Public domain portrait photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Frederick Douglass with The Commissioners to Santo Domingo, Brooklyn ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a ship in the sea, harbor, maritime, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Washington D.C., to Samuel Gridley How...

Frederick Douglass writes to S.G. Howe agreeing to aid him in an effort for the annexation of Santo Domingo. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Frederick Douglass, Washington D.C., Sept. 16, 1872

Frederick Douglass says he cannot aid the recipient with his investigation because he has no knowledge of the Knights of the Golden Circle. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

The late Senator Sumner. Ceremonies in the Capitol -- colored people o...

Illustration shows the body of Senator Charles Sumner lying in state in the U.S. Capitol. Other illustrations on the same page show Mate Brady, a hero of the "Atlantic" disaster...; Bertie Winkler, the Virginia... More

The late Senator Sumner. Ceremonies in the Capitol -- colored people o...

Illustration shows the body of Senator Charles Sumner lying in state in the U.S. Capitol. Other illustrations on the same page show Mate Brady, a hero of the "Atlantic" disaster...; Bertie Winkler, the Virginia... More

Civil rights bill and West Point academy. Letter from Gerrit Smith to...

On verso, Copy 1: MC#09-82-038.233. On verso, Copy 2: Exchange Oberlin College Library Mar 26, 1915; MC #09-82-038.234.; On verso, Copy 3: Trans from Manuscripts Div. Oct 29, 1945; MC #09-82-038.235.; On rec... More

Frederick Douglass in front of his A Street NE home

Frederick Douglass standing in front of his home at 320 A Street NE, Washington, DC, in 1876. The house still stands today, but it is not part of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Washington, D.C.--the new administration--colored citizens paying thei...

Illus. in: Frank Leslie's illustrated newspaper, 1877 April 7, p. 85. Reference copy in BIOG. FILE.

Frederick Douglass FRDO 342 - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...

Frederick Douglass Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Unidentified young woman wearing gloves, leaning on prop fence.]

Public domain photo of portrait art print, 19th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Granddaughter Playing Croquet at Cedar Hill

Harriette "Hattie" Bailey Sprague, granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, playing croquet on the back lawn of the Cedar Hill estate. House visible in background. Photograph taken in the 1880s.

Frederick Douglass, Cabinet photograph, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Mathew B. Brady (American, born Ireland, 1823?–1896 New York) The albumen silver print is a photographic printing process that was widely used in the 19th century. It involves coating paper support with a mixt... More

Frederick Douglass C.F. Conly Photographer, 465 Washington St., Boston

Photograph shows reproduction of portrait by George Kendall Warren taken in 1876. Gift; Tom Liljenquist; 2016; (DLC/PP-2017:171, formerly deposit D072) Forms part of: Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War... More

Frederick Douglass FRDO 3938 - Public domain portrait engraving

Frederick Douglass Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Fred Morsell as Frederick Douglass

Morsell presents Douglass' famous 1881 address on John Brown. Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Haley G. Douglass, Washington, D.C.

Haley George Douglass (1881-1954) was the only child of Charles Douglass and his second wife Laura.

Frederick and Helen Douglass, Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

The Douglasses honeymooned at Niagara Falls later in 1884.

Snow at Cedar Hill in 1887 - Victorian era public domain image

Snow covers Frederick Douglass's house and grounds. An unknown male figure, probably one of his sons or grandsons, is standing at the house's front right corner. A handwritten note on the bottom of the original... More