 
Frederick Douglass has been called the father of the
civil rights movement. He rose through determination, brilliance, and eloquence
to shape the American nation. He was an abolitionist, human rights and women's rights
activist, orator, author, journalist, publisher, and social reformer.
Committed to freedom, Douglass dedicated his life to achieving justice for all
Americans, in particular African-Americans, women, and minority groups.
He envisioned America as an inclusive nation strengthened by diversity and free of
discrimination.
Douglass served as advisor to presidents.
Abraham Lincoln referred to him as the most meritorious man of the
nineteenth century. In his later years Douglass was appointed to several offices.
He served as U.S. Marshal of the District of Columbia during Rutherford B. Hayes'
administration and President James Garfield appointed him the District of Columbia
Recorder of Deeds. In 1889 President Benjamin Harrison appointed him to be
the US minister to Haiti. He was later appointed by President Grant to serve
as secretary of the commission of Santo Domingo. Douglass had hoped that his
appointments would open doors for other African-Americans, but it was many years
before they would follow in his footsteps.
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his exhibit features items owned by Frederick Douglass and highlights his achievements. The items are in the
museum and archival collections at the 
