Frederick Douglass tribute is unveiled

A small group of Middlebury College and town officials gathered at Court Square on Friday, Sept. 22, to unveil a plaque commemorating human rights pioneer Frederick Douglass’s visit to the county’s shire town during the summer of 1843.

Frederick Douglass spoke in the Ferrisburgh Meeting Hall just days after he spoke in Middlebury and to a far more friendly audience.

In their commemoration of Stephen Douglass and Alexander Twilight, Middlebury College might also honor Martin Freeman.

I have to take a little issue with Professor Hart’s characterization of how Frederick Douglass was received in Middlebury.

Not enough people know that famed abolitionist, orator, journalist and founder of the U.S. Civil Rights movement Frederick Douglass brought his anti-slavery message to Middlebury during the summer of 1843.

On July 5, Rokeby Museum and the Friends of Union Meeting Hall are hosting two family-friendly events that honor the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass.

The play, written by Mat Smart, profiles the 45-year friendship of suffragette Susan B. Anthony and escaped slave turned civil rights leader Frederick Douglass.

Editor’s note: This is the 45th in a series of essays on the history and meaning of the American political tradition. Frederick Douglass (1818–95) was born into slavery, but this pernicious institution could not contain him. Self-educated, except for a br … (read more)