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Contact: Pya Langley, 202-450-0226
WASHINGTON- On September 3, 1838, Frederick Douglass, dressed as a free African American sailor, boarded a train from East Baltimore, carrying borrowed freedom papers and, in spite of numerous close calls, arrived in New York City and began his life as free man.
In honor of the bicentennial year of Frederick Douglass’s birth, the National Park Service and Amtrak’s Trails and Rails program, will re-create Douglass’s escape to freedom on September 8, 2018.
To commemorate this historic moment, a re-creation of Douglass’s journey is planned on the exact route and the original railroad Douglass traveled on over 100 years ago.
Schedule of commemorative programming:
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On Saturday, September 8, 2018, traveling on Amtrak’s NorthEast Regional 164, departing from Baltimore’s Penn Station at 10:05 a.m., an actor portraying young Frederick Douglass accompanied by National Park Service rangers will bring the historic moment to life with stories that share Douglass’s experience.
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Rangers will be located in the train’s cafe car and will highlight several points of interest over the public address system. They will also walk through the train to provide information and answer questions during the trip.
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Children on board will be able to earn Network to Freedom Underground Railroad and Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Junior Ranger badges.
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Noted actor, Darius Wallace, will be aboard the train dressed as older iconic Douglass for photo opportunities and to share stories of Douglass’s escape.
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On the return journey from New York Penn Station to Washington, D.C., rangers and the guest actors will cover Douglass’s legacy after achieving freedom and interesting stories of the Underground Railroad.
February 2018 marked the 200th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s birth. This commemorative train ride continues the National Park Service’s year-long commitment to honor the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. To learn more, visit go.nps.go/Douglass200.
The Trails and Rails program is a partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service that educates travelers on the heritage and natural resources of a specific region while traveling by rail. Learn more at nps.gov/subjects/
Editor's Note:
Prior to boarding at Baltimore’s Penn Station, reporters are welcome for brief interviews on Douglass’s escape to freedom from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. in the waiting area of the historic Pennsylvania Station.
Last updated: September 7, 2018