After being closed for 3 years since the pandemic, Frederick Douglass house opened on the 4th of July. The Frederick Douglass House, located in Washington, D.C., is a significant historic site that provides visitors with a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of America's most prominent abolitionists and orators. As a visitor to this landmark, I had the opportunity to explore the house and learn about Frederick Douglass's remarkable journey. Here is my review, highlighting the pros and cons of the Frederick Douglass House. Pros: Historical Significance: The Frederick Douglass House holds immense historical value. It was the residence of Frederick Douglass himself from 1877 until his death in 1895. The house offers a unique insight into the life of a key figure in the fight against slavery and the struggle for civil rights. Exploring the rooms where Douglass lived and worked is a powerful experience. Informative Guided Tours: The guided tours at the Frederick Douglass House are exceptional. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides provide detailed explanations about Douglass's life, his contributions to the abolitionist movement, and his impact on American history. They bring the stories to life, making the visit engaging and educational. Authenticity: The Frederick Douglass House has been meticulously restored to reflect the period when Douglass lived there. The attention to detail is evident in the furnishings, artwork, and decor, transporting visitors back in time. This dedication to authenticity enhances the overall experience and allows visitors to better understand Douglass's living conditions. They also updated the HVAC! Cons: Limited Accessibility: The Frederick Douglass House is a historic building, and as such, it presents some accessibility challenges. The structure has stairs and uneven surfaces, which may make it difficult for visitors with mobility issues to navigate. While efforts have been made to improve accessibility, including an elevator, some areas remain inaccessible. Limited Parking: The availability of parking spaces in the immediate vicinity is limited, which may require visitors to park further away and walk a considerable distance. It is advisable to plan accordingly and consider alternative transportation options such as public transit or rideshare services. Relatively Small Site: The Frederick Douglass House, while historically significant, is relatively small in size. The number of rooms accessible to visitors is limited, and the overall tour duration may be shorter compared to other historical sites. Visitors seeking a more extensive exploration may find themselves wanting more. Frederick Douglass House is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the life and achievements of Frederick Douglass. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as limited accessibility and potential crowds, the experience of exploring this historic site and understanding Douglass's impactful legacy is undoubtedly worth it.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Wow. I learned more about this man and his legacy via a 15 min tour than I did in school. The house is amazing! Beautifully upkept since the 1800s early 1900s same as it was left. You literally step onto a time portal. I didnt like that their park rangers were not giving out proper instructions and information about the tours start time. When I walked in and being someone who had never been there before I asked them everything to take the tour and those 2 rangers gave me a wrong time, didn't say I needed a ticket, told me to meet right where we were standing but it was actually supposed to be somewhere else. And for that I was there for an hour and missed the tour because of the rangers failure to explain what to do. They didn't know when the shuttle buses were coming and going. I mean they were not that organized. It was strange! The book store clerk was extra helpful and thr tour guide was even more. They seem VERY protective of F.D. and its interesting that he died with women protecting him and to this present day women still do.

Another bright star in the National Park Service's collection of historic sites. The house is surprisingly large with a commanding view of Washington. The volunteer docent gave us a detailed and lengthy tour of the house and always answered our questions. As to be expected in an old structure, people with mobility issues will have a hard time accessing much of the site. The visitor center is on the smaller side with a minimum amount of information and not very much to engage younger visitors. The introductory film is well done and there's a nicely stocked bookstore and gift shop. You will have to drive through a small neighborhood to get to the site so use a GPS or good nap. There is convenient parking next to the visitor center.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$1–5

Great house and tour. However, we showed up right on time for a tour and the young guy working inside said the doors had ‘closed’ and we couldn’t join. It was extremely upsetting because we had travelled far out of our way specifically for that tour and we were literally right on time, not even one minute late. We walked around the grounds and saw the small tour group of four people - not sure why we weren’t allowed to join such a small group. Luckily, we were able to return on another day for a tour. Make sure you show up early.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

We visited this home a few years ago with my young daughter and loved the experience! The home was so beautifully preserved. I was so happy to see that a museum was right next door, and I’m even more happy to learn that it is currently under renovation and will be open sometime in the spring of 2023. I would love to go back and see it, again! I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in history, and I hope more classes will take advantage of a trip to this historical home.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The Washington home of Frederick Douglass (1817 or 1818-1895), which he called Cedar Hill. Douglass lived here from 1877/1878 until his death in 1895. Douglass lived here with his second (white) wife Helen Pitts whom he married in 1884, after his first wife Anna had passed away at Cedar Hill in 1882. Beautiful site on a hill in Anacostia with a perfect view of Washington. Make sure to check the tour schedule before you go.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Frederick Douglass home was such a Fantastic visit. I took my children as sort of a mini field trip to tour the grounds. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and informative about the timeline of Douglass life when his incredible Family lived in the home and on the property. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the home had to offer, it was marvelous to have a window back into time in such an extraordinary way. I recommend all families near and far visit this national treasure!

Wonderful experience! The house itself is impressive and the view from the house is stunning. Plus all of the personal items in the house are original. If you're lucky, you'll get Kevin B. as your Ranger ... he was incredibly insightful, and his passion for the subject and energy was infectious. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your house tour time so you can watch the video!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

If you do not know much about Frederick Douglass then this would be the perfect place to visit. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history and life of Frederick Douglass. The house was very well preserved and it was a very fascinating tour overall. To be able to witness how life was back then compared to now was really eye-opening and I'd definitely recommend this tour as part of anyone's first time visiting Washington DC.

Amazingly preserved home of frederick Douglass, of which he lived for around 40 years. The home is accessible via a tour, our guide was a young woman who was very passionate and thoroughly knowledgeable about Douglass and his family. The rooms are preserved essentially as he left them, and gives a great insight into the historical figure. Located in the Anacostia neighborhood of D.C. on the Maryland side. Free parking.

I have been a resident in Anacostia long enough to see the transition of Cedar Hill which is now a much revered National Historic Landmark and site along with the HISTORY OF ANACOSTIA...AND THE CITY ACROSS THE BRIDGE. Thank the folks and one lady I remember keeping us as children away from the building and.now years later ...Everyone visiting knows what our neighborhood kids then enjoyed when it snowed.

The guided tour was nice but neglected to put Frederick Douglass and his achievements into context. We wouldn't have known there was a 17 minute film accompaniment except by chance. The film shouldn't be missed. One of my favorite things about the mansion was the "Growlery" out back.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Lovely historic site. Beautiful very well kept grounds. The tour guide was nice, had a great voice and super knowledgeable. The inside has some very insightful quotes from Mr. Douglas. Picture worthy in every way. I would recommend going and taking friends / family on a tour. The views from atop the hill are just breath taking.

I'm born and raised in Washington DC SE next street over from his house, when I was a kid , I & brothers use to love sliding down that big ole hill when It snows ,it's always a pleasure to visit there!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This was an extreme privilege for me to see the Washington home of such an important and influential man. Frederick Douglass, from former slave to supreme abolitionist, an extremely well versed speaker and brave human. The house is wonderfully kept, the guide was very knowledgeable, this is history at its finest.

Frederick Douglas Home NM. Home has actual artifacts & as it was when the Douglas s lived here. Guided tour gave excellent history. Visitor Center has good introductory film. Glad I came back
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great visit to a historic neighborhood and home! The view of DC from the house is spectacular. Make sure to get tickets to tour the inside of the home! But, even if you don't have tickets the grounds are beautiful to walk on.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

An inspiring visit to a mostly self-taught abolitionist and orator. This is the home of Douglass, who became a U.S. Marshall. The artifacts are amazing. Be sure to visit the bookstore in the Visitors Center.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

The video that starts the tour is wholly inappropriate for young children and there's no mention of it before entering. It depicts torture and uses racial slurs. The rest of the house is great but you're lacking a lot of context without the video. As for Frederick Douglass, he's 5 stars!

We had our dog and didn't schedule a tour in advance so make sure to do that. However, we were able to view a short video and see some interesting facts. We were given the ability to drive up to the house and observe from the outside. I really appreciated that.

If you don't know Fredrick Douglas, come find out. Incredible place to learn of a man and family that changed history. The home is well maintained and offers breathtaking views of DC. You won't be disappointed. Thankful for the life of Fredrick Douglas.

The house was well preserved. The tour guide was well-versed in Frederick Douglass' life. The visitor center plays a film about his life that is very informative. I recommend this tour to everyone who is interested in the history of this country.

This was an AMAZING experience. Being able to look down the hill and see the sites he saw. Walking in the building and learning he had 21 rooms in the house. This man really can from the bottom and died with President's knowing his name!

Visitor Center was AWESOME! But I am very disappointed in the upkeep of the property. Grass needed to cut, sidewalks swept, informational sign on backside of the house had bird droppings covering it. I was pretty upset about that aspect.

Great staff, very friendly. Only bad part is it's not open every day. Was a small walk from metro but well worth it.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The NPS tour of this site is amazing. You really get an idea of who this man was and also how people lived in the time. Our guide was very knowledgeable (our group had a ton of questions and he easily navigated them all) and extremely

Im so big on history, so of course, when I visited one of the most historic places, I wanted to see a historic landmark. While i didn't get to go inside (our group fault, be sure to call ahead and make reservations), i was still very

Very historic home of an important African American gentleman who was influential in working to overcome the injustice of slavery. The park staff member, John McCaskill who guided us, was thorough and spoke well

Beautiful historic home! The tour guide was friendly and informative. A must see when in D.C.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The staff here is excellent and really helpful. Reserve the house tour tickets early. It is an in depth, informative tour.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Excellent tour by very knowledgeable guides who share much about Frederick Douglass's life reflected in the house's memorial collection.
Visited on
Weekday
Reservation recommended
Yes

Watch film at visitor center. It is dated, but it does a good job of the impossible task of telling Douglass' life. Tour was great. Ranger was a wealth of knowledge. Amazing discourse with guests.

This house was a lovely sight to see on the hill overlooking a small section of Anacostia. Mr Douglas even had his version of a "man-cave" on premises and a nice house he bought in late 1800's...

Tour is great. It is wonderful that so much of the original artifacts are preserved in the house. Tour is a quick ~30 minutes. Grounds available to walk as long as museum is open.

This place is very educational. I love the beautiful house in which this great man once lived he is such an inspiration and to see his house is quite the experience

There is a lot of history at this site but house was kind of boring and visitor center was small for this very important historical figure.

Great experience, You learn so much also and it’s a great feeling being in a house with history and stories More

Great tour with KB Tours. The ranger was very informative and knowledgeable about the estate of Fredrick Douglas

The house tour was so interesting and our guide Kevin was tremendously knowledgeable!
Visited on…
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Nice for tourists, Could be better for locals.
Visited on
Weekday…
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