Thing to Do

Discover Frederick Douglass’s Home

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, National Capital Parks-East

Violin and bow rests against wooden chair.

Every visit to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site begins at the Visitor Center. Talk to a ranger or volunteer at the information desk to get brochures, pick up tickets for a guided tour of the historic house, and find out what's happening in the park.
 
The 19-minute film "Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story" plays in the auditorium. Exhibits feature significant objects from the collection, a life-size statue of Frederick Douglass, and quotes from his speeches and writings.

Learn more about the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. 
Details
Duration
30-120 Minutes
Every visit begins at the Visitor Center. Talk to a ranger or volunteer at the information desk to get brochures, pick up tickets for a guided tour of the historic house, and find out what's happening in the park.
 
The 19-minute film "Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story" plays in the auditorium. Exhibits feature significant objects from the collection, a life-size statue of Frederick Douglass, and quotes from his speeches and writings.
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian

Pets are not allowed on the grounds of the memorial. Service animals are permitted without exception.

There is no entrance fee.  If you make reservations to tour the historic house, there is a fee of $1.50 for each reserved ticket or a flat fee of $5.00 for school groups.

 
Please note: You can only enter the historic house by being on a guided tour. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

1411 W Street, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20020

The visitor center and a free parking lot are at the bottom of the hill near the intersection of W and 15th Streets, S.E. Check in at the visitor center at the beginning of your visit.

 

Public Transportation

Rail:

Use the Green Line and get off at Anacostia Station. When exiting the train, follow signs to the "Howard Road" side of the station. It is approximately 3/4 miles from the station to the site.

  • If taking a bus, get on the B2 to "Mt. Rainier" or "Bladensburg Rd., V St. NE," or get on the V2 to "Minnesota Ave" or "Capitol Heights Station." There is a bus stop directly in front of the site at the corner of W and 14th Streets.
  • If walking, take a right on Howard Road (walk 1 block), take a left on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue (walk 3 blocks), and take a right on W Street (walk 4 blocks to the site's visitor center).

Visit WMATA for fares and route details.

 

Bus:

The B2 and V2 buses service the corner of W and 14th Streets, directly in front of the site. The 90, 93, A42, A46, A48, P1, P2, and P6 all drop off within two blocks of the site.

Visit WMATA for fares and route details.

If you make reservations to tour the historic house, there is a fee of $1.50 for each reserved ticket or a flat fee of $5.00 for school groups.

Please note: You can only enter the historic house by being on a guided tour. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Historic House
The historic house is open only at scheduled times for guided tours. Rangers guide tours every day, except for January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Visitor Center and Grounds
The visitor center and grounds are open daily, except for January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. Hours vary by season:
 
April through October - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
November through March - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

April through October - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
November through March - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm


Unscheduled closures may occur due to emergencies or inclement weather. For the latest updates on our operating status, contact us, follow us on social media, or check for alerts.
Accessibility Information

We strive to make the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site accessible for everybody. Please contact us with your questions or concerns.

Service Animals
Service animals are allowed in both the visitor center and historic house. 

Physical / Mobility

A wheelchair is available for visitors to borrow while at the site and can be requested at the visitor center.

Parking Lot

There are two designated accessible spaces near the visitor center entrance. The parking lot is paved.

Visitor Center

The visitor center is a single-level building at street level. Doors at the entrance and restrooms can only be opened manually.

Historic House

The historic house is a multi-level building on top of a large hill. It is 50 feet above street level. There is a paved ramp between the visitor center / parking lot area and the top of the hill. With staff permission, you can use a personal vehicle (no larger than a 15-passenger van) to access the top of the hill. Please be advised that wheelchairs more than 27.5 inches wide will not fit through the narrowest door frame on the first floor. The second floor can only be reached by stairs, as there is no elevator inside the house. Staff can provide a photo tour of the second floor for any visitors unable to reach it.

Deaf / Hearing Loss

Visitor Center

The 19-minute film "Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story" is open-captioned. Assistive listening devices are available by request.

Historic House

Assistive listening devices are available by request for the house tour. If you would like to request an American Sign Language interpreter, please notify us two weeks in advance by contacting us.

Blind / Low Vision

Visitor Center

Descriptive listening devices are available by request for the 19-minute film "Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story." A tactile statue of Frederick Douglass stands in the visitor center.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, National Capital Parks-East

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The home of Frederick Douglass
A crisp and clear fall morning at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

NPS Photo

Explore the home of Frederick Douglass, a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. Any time is a great time to learn about Frederick Douglass's incredible life, his home, and his vision. Talk to a ranger or volunteer at the Visitor's Center, walk the grounds for a sweeping view of Washington D.C., or tour Frederick Douglass's original estate.

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Last updated: September 19, 2022