Frederick Douglass National Historic Site image

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Tourist attraction Museum Historic site Historical place museum

One of the Top rated Historic sites in Washington


Address

1411 W St SE, Washington, DC 20020

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

(202) 426-5961

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (875 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (40) Douglass (32) Frederick (30) house (25) home (21) life (15) history (13) guide (11) visit (10) time (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Raymond E. 2 months ago on Google • 572 reviews New
    I enjoyed my visit to the Frederick Douglass National Historical Site. The film at the Visitor Center was very informative and interesting. The tour guide for the house tour provided a very interesting tour of the house and provided a lot of interesting information about Frederick Douglass.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabriel C. 4 years ago on Google
    A hopeful and inspiring place for all Americans as Frederick Douglass was born into slavery yet became free an spent his life working for the rights of African Americans and also women's rights.. Amazing view of DC cityscape and the capital. If you have kids, bring them to see this American hero's final home. They will be interested to see Lincoln's cane as well (which Mary Todd gifted Frederick after Abraham Lincoln's assassination). It flies under the radar so not usually busy. Free admission and free tour but you must register online or by phone or at the visitors center before you can enter the home. Short film in the visitors center available for viewing prior to visiting the home. Free parking but beware **the front gate closes** a few hours after the open hours and your car may be locked inside if you decide to walk or bike around. See you on the road, 📸 🙋‍♂️@gabrielcraft.me Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, gaining note for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings. ~Wikipedia
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John D. 8 months ago on Google • 320 reviews
    Another bright star in the National Park Service's collection of historic sites. The house is surprisingly large with a commanding view of Washington. The volunteer docent gave us a detailed and lengthy tour of the house and always answered our questions. As to be expected in an old structure, people with mobility issues will have a hard time accessing much of the site. The visitor center is on the smaller side with a minimum amount of information and not very much to engage younger visitors. The introductory film is well done and there's a nicely stocked bookstore and gift shop. You will have to drive through a small neighborhood to get to the site so use a GPS or good nap. There is convenient parking next to the visitor center.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Casity R. 3 months ago on Google • 69 reviews New
    The staff here is excellent and really helpful. Reserve the house tour tickets early. It is an in depth, informative tour.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew H. 4 years ago on Google
    If you don't know Fredrick Douglas, come find out. Incredible place to learn of a man and family that changed history. The home is well maintained and offers breathtaking views of DC. You won't be disappointed. Thankful for the life of Fredrick Douglas.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher H. 8 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Great visit to a historic neighborhood and home! The view of DC from the house is spectacular. Make sure to get tickets to tour the inside of the home! But, even if you don't have tickets the grounds are beautiful to walk on.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chazmen G. 4 years ago on Google
    This was an AMAZING experience. Being able to look down the hill and see the sites he saw. Walking in the building and learning he had 21 rooms in the house. This man really can from the bottom and died with President's knowing his name!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dawn D. 5 years ago on Google
    The house was well preserved. The tour guide was well-versed in Frederick Douglass' life. The visitor center plays a film about his life that is very informative. I recommend this tour to everyone who is interested in the history of this country.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nacre C. 4 years ago on Google
    We had our dog and didn't schedule a tour in advance so make sure to do that. However, we were able to view a short video and see some interesting facts. We were given the ability to drive up to the house and observe from the outside. I really appreciated that.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 April H. 7 months ago on Google • 111 reviews
    The guided tour was nice but neglected to put Frederick Douglass and his achievements into context. We wouldn't have known there was a 17 minute film accompaniment except by chance. The film shouldn't be missed. One of my favorite things about the mansion was the "Growlery" out back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nils P. 6 months ago on Google • 302 reviews
    The Washington home of Frederick Douglass (1817 or 1818-1895), which he called Cedar Hill. Douglass lived here from 1877/1878 until his death in 1895. Douglass lived here with his second (white) wife Helen Pitts whom he married in 1884, after his first wife Anna had passed away at Cedar Hill in 1882. Beautiful site on a hill in Anacostia with a perfect view of Washington. Make sure to check the tour schedule before you go.

  • 5/5 ash A. 2 years ago on Google
    This house was a lovely sight to see on the hill overlooking a small section of Anacostia. Mr Douglas even had his version of a "man-cave" on premises and a nice house he bought in late 1800's...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edith H. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited this home a few years ago with my young daughter and loved the experience! The home was so beautifully preserved. I was so happy to see that a museum was right next door, and I’m even more happy to learn that it is currently under renovation and will be open sometime in the spring of 2023. I would love to go back and see it, again! I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in history, and I hope more classes will take advantage of a trip to this historical home.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Coach T. 2 months ago on Google • 80 reviews New
    My students and I loved this place! Our tour guide James provided some excellent historical facts that I was unaware of. I also appreciate how the National Parks and Recs have kept this place up and keep the visitor center next door with tons of historical facts, souvenirs, and books for purchase. We also appreciated the 20 minute movie that is played prior to the tour. This is a very educational tour and I am happy it exists!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TheMsTonga L. 5 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Im so big on history, so of course, when I visited one of the most historic places, I wanted to see a historic landmark. While i didn't get to go inside (our group fault, be sure to call ahead and make reservations), i was still very impressed with the sites. The home sits at the top of a hill and overlooks the city. The surrounding area is nice, not yet gentrified, so that's refreshing 😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike T. 3 months ago on Google • 55 reviews New
    An inspiring visit to a mostly self-taught abolitionist and orator. This is the home of Douglass, who became a U.S. Marshall. The artifacts are amazing. Be sure to visit the bookstore in the Visitors Center.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris C. 3 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Incredible history! They should consider presenting the Frederick Douglas HBO Special here as well!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lin S. 1 year ago on Google
    We were fortunate to tour this beautiful historic home and learn its history from an experienced guide. The vast amount of stairs leading up to the home are amazing and we learned that Frederick Douglas walked up and down them every day. The furnishings in the home as well as the household items, dishes, etc are original and still in pristine condition. This is an amazing place and not to be missed when you're on tour.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Harleen S. 8 months ago on Google
    The video that starts the tour is wholly inappropriate for young children and there's no mention of it before entering. It depicts torture and uses racial slurs. The rest of the house is great but you're lacking a lot of context without the video. As for Frederick Douglass, he's 5 stars!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaliyah G. 5 years ago on Google
    Frederick Douglass home was such a Fantastic visit. I took my children as sort of a mini field trip to tour the grounds. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and informative about the timeline of Douglass life when his incredible Family lived in the home and on the property. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the home had to offer, it was marvelous to have a window back into time in such an extraordinary way. I recommend all families near and far visit this national treasure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alisha T. 6 years ago on Google
    If you do not know much about Frederick Douglass then this would be the perfect place to visit. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history and life of Frederick Douglass. The house was very well preserved and it was a very fascinating tour overall. To be able to witness how life was back then compared to now was really eye-opening and I'd definitely recommend this tour as part of anyone's first time visiting Washington DC.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris P. 4 years ago on Google
    This was an extreme privilege for me to see the Washington home of such an important and influential man. Frederick Douglass, from former slave to supreme abolitionist, an extremely well versed speaker and brave human. The house is wonderfully kept, the guide was very knowledgeable, this is history at its finest.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jean 9 months ago on Google • 101 reviews
    After being closed for 3 years since the pandemic, Frederick Douglass house opened on the 4th of July. The Frederick Douglass House, located in Washington, D.C., is a significant historic site that provides visitors with a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of America's most prominent abolitionists and orators. As a visitor to this landmark, I had the opportunity to explore the house and learn about Frederick Douglass's remarkable journey. Here is my review, highlighting the pros and cons of the Frederick Douglass House. Pros: Historical Significance: The Frederick Douglass House holds immense historical value. It was the residence of Frederick Douglass himself from 1877 until his death in 1895. The house offers a unique insight into the life of a key figure in the fight against slavery and the struggle for civil rights. Exploring the rooms where Douglass lived and worked is a powerful experience. Informative Guided Tours: The guided tours at the Frederick Douglass House are exceptional. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides provide detailed explanations about Douglass's life, his contributions to the abolitionist movement, and his impact on American history. They bring the stories to life, making the visit engaging and educational. Authenticity: The Frederick Douglass House has been meticulously restored to reflect the period when Douglass lived there. The attention to detail is evident in the furnishings, artwork, and decor, transporting visitors back in time. This dedication to authenticity enhances the overall experience and allows visitors to better understand Douglass's living conditions. They also updated the HVAC! Cons: Limited Accessibility: The Frederick Douglass House is a historic building, and as such, it presents some accessibility challenges. The structure has stairs and uneven surfaces, which may make it difficult for visitors with mobility issues to navigate. While efforts have been made to improve accessibility, including an elevator, some areas remain inaccessible. Limited Parking: The availability of parking spaces in the immediate vicinity is limited, which may require visitors to park further away and walk a considerable distance. It is advisable to plan accordingly and consider alternative transportation options such as public transit or rideshare services. Relatively Small Site: The Frederick Douglass House, while historically significant, is relatively small in size. The number of rooms accessible to visitors is limited, and the overall tour duration may be shorter compared to other historical sites. Visitors seeking a more extensive exploration may find themselves wanting more. Frederick Douglass House is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the life and achievements of Frederick Douglass. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as limited accessibility and potential crowds, the experience of exploring this historic site and understanding Douglass's impactful legacy is undoubtedly worth it.

  • 5/5 Regina “Niccolo” D. 2 months ago on Google • 88 reviews New
    Beautiful place nice workers,beautiful historic site. Love the gift shop the cashier was nice.

  • 5/5 Rita V. 5 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    Excellent tour by very knowledgeable guides who share much about Frederick Douglass's life reflected in the house's memorial collection.

  • 5/5 Tael'r E. 2 months ago on Google • 76 reviews New
    The Frederick Douglass Cedar Hill Home Tour is an enlightening journey into the life and legacy of one of history's most influential figures. The well-preserved artifacts and period-specific details authentically transport you to the 19th century, providing a deep understanding of Douglass's struggles and triumphs. Knowledgeable guides like Kevin enrich the experience making the tours not only educational but interactive by helping you connect to the stories about Douglass’s life and work. A visit to Cedar Hill is a moving tribute to Frederick Douglass's enduring impact on American history.

  • 2/5 Sierra M. 3 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Great house and tour. However, we showed up right on time for a tour and the young guy working inside said the doors had ‘closed’ and we couldn’t join. It was extremely upsetting because we had travelled far out of our way specifically for that tour and we were literally right on time, not even one minute late. We walked around the grounds and saw the small tour group of four people - not sure why we weren’t allowed to join such a small group. Luckily, we were able to return on another day for a tour. Make sure you show up early.

  • 5/5 Nolu C. 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    Wonderful tour guide, (Matthew?), compelling information, great bookshop. Challenging though for those with mobility issues as there are many stairs and no elevator.

  • 5/5 M P. 11 months ago on Google
    I love this historical place. I pray they open soon. I have a family reunion in DC this summer and would love to visit again with family. Never get enough of visiting this place. They also show a movie prior to the tour. Amazing!!!!

  • 5/5 Cynthia R. 6 months ago on Google
    Wonderful experience! The house itself is impressive and the view from the house is stunning. Plus all of the personal items in the house are original. If you're lucky, you'll get Kevin B. as your Ranger ... he was incredibly insightful, and his passion for the subject and energy was infectious. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your house tour time so you can watch the video!

  • 4/5 Mind Q. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow. I learned more about this man and his legacy via a 15 min tour than I did in school. The house is amazing! Beautifully upkept since the 1800s early 1900s same as it was left. You literally step onto a time portal. I didnt like that their park rangers were not giving out proper instructions and information about the tours start time. When I walked in and being someone who had never been there before I asked them everything to take the tour and those 2 rangers gave me a wrong time, didn't say I needed a ticket, told me to meet right where we were standing but it was actually supposed to be somewhere else. And for that I was there for an hour and missed the tour because of the rangers failure to explain what to do. They didn't know when the shuttle buses were coming and going. I mean they were not that organized. It was strange! The book store clerk was extra helpful and thr tour guide was even more. They seem VERY protective of F.D. and its interesting that he died with women protecting him and to this present day women still do.

  • 5/5 Daniel C. 1 month ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    So, two rating. The visitor center was a little dated and needs some TLC. The movie didn't work, one person is not enough when all the school kids come in. It is overwhelming for the building and ranger. The house on Cedar Hill is a 6 out of 5 stars. It is amazing in location, history, and beauty. Our volunteer guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the building and the person. Make sure you reserve you tour tickets well in advance. They are very limited.

  • 4/5 Brian S. 9 months ago on Google
    There is a lot of history at this site but house was kind of boring and visitor center was small for this very important historical figure.

  • 5/5 Josh W. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazingly preserved home of frederick Douglass, of which he lived for around 40 years. The home is accessible via a tour, our guide was a young woman who was very passionate and thoroughly knowledgeable about Douglass and his family. The rooms are preserved essentially as he left them, and gives a great insight into the historical figure. Located in the Anacostia neighborhood of D.C. on the Maryland side. Free parking.


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