VIDEO: “Mourning in the Morning: Helen Pitts Douglass – Advocate, Wife, Keeper of the Flame” by Michael Nighan (RPLNY)

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Special thanks to Old Anacostia Douglassonian and FDNHS docent Honorable Maureen Jais-Mick for sharing the presentation.

Freedom’s Jubilee! Meet John Brown (Doug Dobbs) & Frederick Douglass (Nathan Richardson) at Historic Dalhgren Chapel in Western Maryland – September 16, 2023 @ 12 Noon – 4PM

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Freedom’s Jubilee! is a free, family friendly, living history event open to all.

A commemoration and celebration of Emancipation & the Abolitionist Movement in Maryland, the event features four historical interpreters portraying abolitionists figures, as well as period music, period photography, civilian reenactors in 19th century attire, and a timeline of abolitionist/emancipation activity in Maryland!

The event coincides with Abraham Lincoln’s preliminary release of the Emancipation Proclamation after the famous Civil War Battle of Antietam in 1862. “Freedom’s Jubilee! features four skilled historical interpreters who will delve into the details of this unique regional history and bring it to life!” says event host Claude Bauer. “Visitors can also experience period music, period photography, and reenactors in 19th century attire, as well as a timeline of abolitionist/emancipation activity Maryland.” 

Presentations by historical interpreters portraying key abolitionists who contributed to the nation’s struggle for Emancipation and freedom include:

FREDERICK DOUGLAS – Nathan M. Richardson is the energy behind The Frederick Douglass Speaking Tour, a living history performance that completely captures the physical, spiritual, and intellectual essence of the former slave, writer, orator, and famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

ABOLITIONIST JOHN BROWN – Portrayed by Doug Dobbs, a local high school history teacher for almost 20 years. For the last six years he has been researching and interpreting the Abolitionist John Brown and has led numerous tours of Harper’s Ferry and the Kennedy Farm.

AFRICAN AMERICAN UNION SOLDIER – Ed Gantt is a graduate of Howard University and a retired US Navy Captain. He is also a living historian with the 23rd Regiment in Spotsylvania, VA, and Co. B, 54th Massachusetts Regiment. THADDEUS STEVENS – Ross Hetrick portrays Thaddeus Stevens, a fiercely dedicated abolitionist and one of the most powerful Congressmen in the nation, both during and after the Civil War. 

Also, throughout the afternoon:
• Roy Wulf, a talented young musician who plays a variety of instruments will provide the 19th soundtrack for this event. 

• Civil War photographer Matthew Brady is portrayed by Peter Vaselopulos.  

ABOUT: Dahlgren Chapel is a historic site owned by the volunteer-run, nonprofit Central Maryland Heritage League (CMHL), which is not affiliated with any other group or organization. 

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This event is being organized by Dahlgren Chapel on South Mountain.

Lost History Associates is not a partner but assisting in promoting the event as Mr. Nathan Richardson and Doug Dobbs are friends.

Please see below flyer for more information and specifics.

Facebook event page HERE.

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Editor’s Note:

Although we will be unable to attend this wonderful event we offer our fullest support and endorsement, especially the continued public history and Douglassonian ministry of Nathan Richardson, portraying Frederick Douglass and Doug Dobbs, portraying John Brown.