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Closer Inspection: At Frederick Douglass’s home, the man behind the icon

It’s easy to be in awe of Frederick Douglass: He escaped slavery at age 20 and quickly became a leader of the abolitionist movement. Yet a visit to his home makes the historic figure more approachable. — Kris Coronado

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National Park Service interpretive ranger Ka’mal McClarin says Douglass wrote portions of his last autobiography, “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass,” in his study, where his roll-top desk sits. Household objects “make Mr. Douglass come alive as a human being,” McClarin says, “as opposed to this stoic, stiff character we see through the history books.” Douglass bought the home, at 1411 W St. SE (202-426-5961, www.nps.gov/frdo), in 1877 for $6,700, and lived there until his death in 1895.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The curtain ties in the west parlor are modeled after ball and chains, representing Douglass’s former enslavement. They served as “a constant reminder of how far he traveled in life,” McClarin says.

The curtain ties in the west parlor are modeled after ball and chains, representing Douglass’s former enslavement. They served as “a constant reminder of how far he traveled in life,” McClarin says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

In the corner of the study are Douglass’s walking sticks<span>. </span> He was an avid cane collector, McClarin says. After the orator died, his second wife, Helen Pitts Douglass, established the Frederick Douglass Memorial Historical Association and collaborated with the National Association of Colored Women Clubs to preserve the 21-room house and objects until they came under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service in 1962.

In the corner of the study are Douglass’s walking sticks. He was an avid cane collector, McClarin says. After the orator died, his second wife, Helen Pitts Douglass, established the Frederick Douglass Memorial Historical Association and collaborated with the National Association of Colored Women Clubs to preserve the 21-room house and objects until they came under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service in 1962.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Douglass’s pens tell a lot about the man who wielded them. “His pens really reflect Mr. Douglass’s tremendous deep thought,” McClarin says. “You can see where he actually chewed on the pen.”

Douglass’s pens tell a lot about the man who wielded them. “His pens really reflect Mr. Douglass’s tremendous deep thought,” McClarin says. “You can see where he actually chewed on the pen.”

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

On the roll-top desk is Douglass’s seal-fur top hat, purchased in England.

On the roll-top desk is Douglass’s seal-fur top hat, purchased in England.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Wire-rim sunglasses also sit on the desk.

Wire-rim sunglasses also sit on the desk.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Nightclothes are laid out in Douglass's bedroom.

Nightclothes are laid out in Douglass's bedroom.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Also in the bedroom, barbells point to Douglass’s interest in staying healthy. “According to an 1894 photograph, there were gymnast rings out ... on the porch, so we think Mr. Douglass was doing pull-ups,” McClarin says.

Also in the bedroom, barbells point to Douglass’s interest in staying healthy. “According to an 1894 photograph, there were gymnast rings out ... on the porch, so we think Mr. Douglass was doing pull-ups,” McClarin says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Douglass’s worn chest demonstrates how well-traveled he was; he made his living giving lectures and speeches, visiting such places as England, Egypt and France, McClarin says.

Douglass’s worn chest demonstrates how well-traveled he was; he made his living giving lectures and speeches, visiting such places as England, Egypt and France, McClarin says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Sarah J. Eddy painted this portrait of Douglass in his 60s in 1883. It stands in the east parlor and, McClarin says,<br>is the only oil painting for which he stood.

Sarah J. Eddy painted this portrait of Douglass in his 60s in 1883. It stands in the east parlor and, McClarin says,
is the only oil painting for which he stood.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

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