The Holy Bible that once belonged to African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass who died in 1895 will be on display at the Talbot County Free Library on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 11 AM until 4 PM.
The Bible is a part of the National Park Service’s collection at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Douglass received this Bible from members of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. as he was leaving for a trip in 1889 to serve as President Benjamin Harrison’s U.S. Minister of Resident and Consul General.
Mr. Douglass’ Holy Bible is embossed with his name on the front cover. The handsome leather bound edition published by Oxford Unversity Press contains both the Old and New Testaments. According to the Washington Evening Star, “Mr. Douglass warmly and eloquently thanked the donors for their kindness”. The inscription in the Bible reads, “Presented to the Hon. Frederick Douglass by members of the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, Washington, D.C.
Loretta E. Lynch, the first African American Attorney General of the United States placed her hand on Douglass’ Holy Bible earlier this year as she took her oath of office.
Gopaul Noojibail, Superintendent of the National Park Services writes to Robert T. Horvath, the Director of Talbot County Free Library, “We are delighted to know that this loan will enhance visitors’ perception of Talbot County’s most famous native son, Frederick Douglas, a freedom seeker who influenced his peers and presidents alike during a tumultous time in our nation’s history.”
Frederick Douglass Day is presented by the partnership of Frederick Douglass Honor Society, The Town of Easton, and the Talbot County Free Library. The celebration begins with a parade traveling from Glenwood Avenue to Washington Street to Federal Street. Immediately following the parade is a Welcome Ceremony on the courtyard of the Talbot County Courthouse by the Frederick Douglass statue. Fred Morsel, nationally acclaimed for his portrayal of Frederick Douglass, will deliver Douglass’ speech “A Psalm to Our Martyred President Abraham Lincoln”. The Talbot County Free Library is hosting Keynote Speaker Harvard University Professor and national award winning author John Stauffer and Mary Elliott, specialist at Smithsonian’s newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Children’s Village and registration for the Photographic Scavenger Hunt based on Frederick Douglass and the history of Talbot County are located at the Talbot County Free Library. Retail, Food, and Not-for-Profit Organizations are located on Dover Street across from the Library. The Entertainment Stage on West Street features Kentavius Jones and Band, Union Baptist Church Choir, Debra Mims, Fred Morsell, and Sombarkin’.
For more information about Frederick Douglass Day, visit www.frederickdouglassday.com.
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