U.S. Department of the InteriorDOI News Header
Office of the Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2007
Contacts:
Chris Paolino (DOI), (202) 208-6416
or David Barna (NPS), (202) 208-6843

Secretary Kempthorne Ceremonially Reopens Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Kicking off National Park Week

Designated in 1988 the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is situated at Douglass’ home on Cedar Hill in Washington, DC and celebrates Douglass’ life and work. The site was reopened to the public in February of 2007 following a 3-year, $2.7 million preservation project.
Designated in 1988 the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is situated at Douglass’ home on Cedar Hill in Washington, DC and celebrates Douglass’ life and work. The site was reopened to the public in February of 2007 following a 3-year, $2.7 million preservation project.

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today kicked off National Park Week at a ceremonial reopening of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, DC.

“It is my honor as Secretary of the Interior to officially commemorate the reopening of the Frederick Douglass house,” Kempthorne said. “Frederick Douglass is truly one of our nation’s great heroes; a man whose life we should study and whose courage, integrity, and humanity we should emulate. Visitors can once again tour this house and see it as it was in the days when he lived here. Even more so, they can learn how Frederick Douglass became the conscience of a nation when it was struggling with issues of racial injustice and equality.”

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1818. During the course of his remarkable life he escaped from slavery, became internationally renowned for his eloquence in the cause of liberty, and went on to serve the national government in several official capacities.

Designated in 1988 the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is situated at Douglass’ home on Cedar Hill in Washington, DC and celebrates Douglass’ life and work. The site was reopened to the public in February of 2007 following a 3-year, $2.7 million preservation project.

“The National Park Service is proud to manage, conserve and interpret this very important national historical site,” said Mary Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “I am confident the public will agree the work performed here will ensure this home remains the strong symbol of what Frederick Douglass represented and stood for.”

Today’s ceremony at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site came at the start of National Park Week, an annual, Presidentially proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of the country’s 390 National Parks. Parks across the country will be hosting events throughout the week from hikes, to picnics, to family and kids days, culminating in National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 28.

“I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the beauty, majesty, and history of our country’s 390 national parks,” Secretary Kempthorne said. “With activities scheduled for people of all ages, I hope everyone takes this opportunity to see again just how wonderful our national parks truly are.”

 
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