The DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development is pleased to honor the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site as the December 2011 One City Location of the Month. The Frederick Douglass House, named by Douglass as Cedar Hill, offers stunning views of the nation’s capital’s most recognized landmarks and monuments.
The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, administered by the National Park Service, was preserved to honor the life and accomplishments of Frederick Douglass, who freed himself from slavery and helped to liberate millions of others. After the Civil War, Douglass moved to Washington, DC to serve in international affairs and in 1877 he purchased his home and lived in it until his death in 1895. In 1988 the house became the location of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
The Frederick Douglass House is located in the historic Anacostia neighborhood in Southeast Washington, DC. The site, located on a quaint hilltop, also offers a sweeping view of the US Capitol and the District’s remarkable skyline. Inside the house, many of Douglass’ original furniture, books, and accessories remain intact and offer a beautiful representation of a 19th century single family home. After purchasing the home, Douglass expanded its 14 rooms to 21, including a two-story library, kitchen wings, and a unique "growlery," a small stone building in which he secluded himself while writing and studying.
In March, the DC Film Office launched its One City Location of the Month to bring attention to the wide range of varied, cinematically compelling locations that are available to film and television productions. Former One City Location of the Month recipients this year include Ben’s Chili Bowl, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, the Hillcrest neighborhood in Southeast Washington, the Atlas Performing Arts Center, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rock Creek Parrish, The Yards Park in Southeast, the Brookland neighborhood in Northeast, and the Maine Ave. Fish Market in Southwest.
To learn more about the Frederick Douglass House and to view photos please visit the One City Location of the Month feature. If you are interested in using the Frederick Douglass House for a future filming location, please contact us at [email protected].