In order to accommodate needed renovations and repairs, the museum is not accepting tour requests at this time. For future announcements and programming information, please monitor this website and join our email list. We hope you enjoy these virtual tours, posted on the website. Thank you.
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frederick douglass museum & Cultural center
Museum News
History Celebrated with a Stroll Through Highland Beach
What is in a name? In the case of Wayman Avenue, a street that runs along the bay in Highland Beach, history is in the name.
That history was brought to life when Bishop Alexander Wayman's descendants visited the town.
A Family’s Enduring Legacy at Highland Beach
Dena Sewell's connection to Highland Beach goes back to the beginnings of the community. Her great-grandfather was a friend of Frederick Douglass.
Her family, the Francis family, built their house in 1896, just a few years after Highland Beach was founded.
Ms. Sewell details her family’s many connections to the community, shares her memories of summers as a child, and tells the fascinating story of the "land swap" with Frederick Douglass in her Porch Story, hosted by museum docent Nat Harrington.
our
mission
We are committed to promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the life and work of Frederick Douglass and his family. In addition, the museum seeks to identify, document, and preserve the social and cultural histories of Highland Beach and Venice Beach, Maryland.
Through dedicated all-volunteer teams of the board of directors and museum docents, we strive to make these resources available for information and research. Click here to Contact Us.
OUR
STORIES
This summer community on the bay was founded in 1893 by Charles Remond Douglass, the youngest son of Frederick Douglass.
Its rich history is recalled by long-time residents. To see these videotaped "Porch Stories" and to learn more about the founding of Highland Beach and Venice Beach, Click Here.
THE
COLLECTION
The collection includes items from Frederick Douglass' estate, the Douglass family who enjoyed summers on the bay, and from families in Highland Beach and Venice Beach. See the Collection.
current
initiatives
The FDMCC recently videotaped a series of interviews reflecting life at "the Beach." Taped on the porches of the museum or the residents' home, these recollections from long-time citizens offer a unique view of two very special communities, Highland Beach and Venice Beach.
Porch Stories are an Anthony A. Smoot production.