ANNAPOLIS — In celebration of the “Year of Frederick Douglass,” the Banneker-Douglass Museum hosts a new temporary exhibit, the Douglass Reading Room from June 5, 2018 until February 28, 2019.
This interactive exhibit, guest curated by Greg Morton of Baltimore, brings to life the writings and living quarters of Frederick Douglass while connecting historical themes with modern day discussions.
The exhibit will host several Douglass Reading Room public programs throughout the year, including: book readings, art exhibits and educational workshops.
“As the State of Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage, we are committed to promoting Maryland’s rich African American history and culture and connecting its relevance to modern day,” said Chanel Compton, director of Banneker-Douglass Museum and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. “Many of the themes Frederick Douglass explored are still relevant, and we are thrilled to bring his life and legacy alive through our new interactive exhibit, the Douglass Reading Room.”
The exhibit will feature books written by and about Frederick Douglass and other influential African American authors, as well as pieces by noted artists including Elizabeth Catlett and Romare Bearden providing visitors an interpretation of what Frederick Douglass’ living room would look like if he were alive today.
In February this year, Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation declaring 2018 as the “Year of Frederick Douglass.”
The exhibit is part of the yearlong celebration observing the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of this renowned abolitionist and Maryland native.
Additional Information about the “Year of Frederick Douglass” can be found at: http://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/fd-home/.
Guest Curator Greg Morton is the current owner of 524 S. Dallas Street in Baltimore, Maryland— one of the five homes that Frederick Douglass built as a rental property for African Americans in the 1890s.
Morton has restored and styled the home to feature African American and Baltimore art and history, re-imagining what the home would look like if Frederick Douglass owned the property today.
Banneker-Douglass Museum is the State of Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage and serves to document, interpret, and promote African American history and culture through exhibitions, programs and projects in order to improve the understanding and appreciation of America’s rich cultural diversity for all. Banneker-Douglass Museum is a component of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, which is a unit of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives.