Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: District of Columbia
📘 Park Overview
Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved here at Cedar Hill, where he lived his last 17 years.
🌤 Weather Information
Winter: Temperatures usually range from 30 to 50 F. There is occasional snow. Spring: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 to 90 F. Humidity is usually high. Be prepared and drink plenty of water. There is a water fountain in the visitor center. Fall: Temperatures usually range widely from 40 to 70 F. Humidity can remain high in the earlier part of the season.
🚗 Directions
The site can be reached by car, public transportation, or on foot. See the directions page of the website for more detailed information. There is parking on site.
Images
Rangers guide daily tours of the historic house at scheduled times.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
Frederick Douglass retreated to this stone cabin to read, write, and think in seclusion.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
Frederick Douglass's view from Cedar Hill continues to impress visitors today.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
Hundreds of original objects, such as this bust, furnish the historic house.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nate Johnson
A park ranger speaks to park visitors.
Credit: NPS / Rachel Hendrix
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Sep 9
Overcast
High: 90.6°F | Low: 65.5°F
Humidity: 59%
Wind: 10.5 mph
Rain Chance: 9%
UV Index: 5.9
Sunrise: 06:44 AM
Sunset: 07:26 PM
Moon: New Moon (2%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 69.1°F
Cloud Cover: 9%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Sep 10
Partly Cloudy
High: 88°F | Low: 69.3°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 11.9 mph
Rain Chance: 57%
UV Index: 4.7
Sunrise: 06:45 AM
Sunset: 07:24 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 69.4°F
Cloud Cover: 57%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Sep 11
Light rain shower
High: 78.4°F | Low: 67.9°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 8.3 mph
Rain Chance: 70%
UV Index: 7
Sunrise: 06:45 AM
Sunset: 07:23 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 68.3°F
Cloud Cover: 70%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Small Craft Advisory issued September 8 at 9:15PM EDT until September 10 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: Sep 8, 2026 9:15pm
Expires: Sep 9, 2026 5:15am
* WHAT...South winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt expected.
* WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD.
* WHEN...From 4 PM Wednesday to 4 AM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration
Celebrate one of the greatest Americans who ever lived!
When: Saturday, February 14th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Location:
Capital Turnaround at 700 M St SE (entrance on 7th St), Washington, DC 20003
Highlights include music by the Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels, performances by the student winners of the annual Douglass Oratorical Contest, and “Black History Jeopardy.” Featured speaker: Jeffrey Rosen, author and President & CEO of the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, who will highlight how Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln represent a second generation of America’s Founding Fathers.
Location: Capital Turnaround 700 M St SE (entrance on 7th St), Washington, DC 20003
Date: Feb 14, 2026 12:00am to Feb 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
Celebrate Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary with the National Park Service at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site’s annual event, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Hear recitations by a Frederick Douglass Reenactor and the winners of the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, tour Cedar Hill, and participate in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence!
This event is free of charge and does not require registration.
Schedule of Activities:
10:00 a.m. Recitation of excerpts of the Douglass speech by actor Nathan Richardson
10:30 a.m. Recitations by winners of the 2025 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest
11:00 a.m. Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
11:30 a.m. House Tours begin
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Read with a Ranger
In celebration of National Park Week and Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, August 22nd, kids and youth are welcome to come to the Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center at 1:00 pm and read a story with a ranger and complete the site Junior Ranger Booklet to earn a Junior Ranger certificate and badge.
The book that will be read is "Love Twelve Miles Long" by Glenda Armand.
Date: Aug 22, 2026 12:00am to Aug 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
America's Flag at 250
In celebration of National Park Week and the 250th anniversary of America, visitors can drop-in and participate in on-going activities on Saturday, August 29th from 10 am to 2:00 pm outside the Frederick Douglass NHS Visitor Center, featuring US Flag history and etiquette, and Frederick Douglass' speeches and writings about the American Flag.
Date: Aug 29, 2026 12:00am to Aug 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
🏤 Mailing Address:
1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
📞 Voice Phone: 771-208-1499
✉️ Email: frdo_visitorservices@nps.gov