Descendants of the Maryland Native Joined a Celebration Near Douglass' Birthplace in Talbot County
EASTON, MD – Lt. Governor Aruna Miller recently joined the Maryland Department of Transportation and descendants and relatives of Maryland native Frederick Douglass to celebrate the unveiling of a new roadside historical marker. The marker commemorates Douglass’ birth in Talbot County, self-liberation from slavery, and his work as an abolitionist, orator and human rights advocate. The event, held at the Talbot County Courthouse in Easton, marked the date of Douglass’ passing. February is also Black History Month and Douglass’ birth month.
“Frederick Douglass’ life and legacy continues to inspire all of us who work every day to protect our freedoms and fight for equality,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “I am honored to help unveil this historical marker which proudly displays where the great Maryland-born leader first started his journey.”
Douglass’ relatives and descendants from across the country attended Thursday morning’s ceremony, which was followed by the installation of the roadside historical marker at the intersection of MD 303 and Tappers Corner Road in Talbot County, near Douglass’ birthplace.
Frederick Douglass was born enslaved on February 14, 1818, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore at Holme Hill Farm in Talbot County. With the help of his future wife, Anna Murray, Douglass self-liberated in 1838. Wearing a sailor’s uniform as a disguise and forged papers in his pocket, he traveled by foot, train and steamboat from Baltimore to New York City. In freedom, he married and raised a family. Douglass became a staunch advocate for the abolition of slavery, traveling the country delivering powerful speeches on liberation and human rights. He returned to the Eastern Shore in 1878 and delivered his speech, “Self-Made Men” at the Talbot County courthouse. He died on February 20, 1895.
"As we mark the 130th anniversary of my great-great-great-grandfather Frederick Douglass's passing, it is both historic and incredibly moving to see a new marker placed near his birthplace," said Kenneth B. Morris Jr, the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. "This recognition ensures that his journey from slavery to a life of purpose and transformative impact will never be forgotten. My family and I are grateful to the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Historical Trust for honoring his legacy in this way. May this marker commemorate where his story began and inspire all who pass by to carry forward his fight for justice and equality."
“Today, more than ever, it's important to spotlight the unique history of the Eastern Shore and the cultural giants it produced, like Frederick Douglass,” said Tarence Bailey Sr, a Bailey-Douglass relative and president of Operation Frederick Douglass on The Hill.
Members of the community, Town of Easton officials and other Talbott County elected leaders also joined the ceremony. Lt. Governor Miller and Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld discussed Douglass’ contributions to American history and the importance of commemorating historical locations like Douglass’ birthplace.
“Maryland’s Historical Marker Program has educated the traveling public on our shared history for almost 100 years,” said Secretary Wiedefeld. “I am proud to be a part of this event honoring an American leader who continues to inspire the fight for freedom and equality.”
The new roadside marker is part of the effort of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Historical Trust to increase the number of markers that highlight the state’s untold stories. Click here for more information on the Maryland Roadside Historical Marker program.
