2018 has been declared the “Year of Frederick Douglass” by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on the 200th anniversary of his birth.
The abolitionist, writer and orator was born in Talbot County and his birthday is celebrated nationally on February 14th.
In signing the proclamation that the governor was joined by descendants of Douglass along with Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports there will also be a new driving tour in Maryland called, “Frederick Douglass: Following in His Footsteps”.
It’s a 131 mile drive that begins with his birthplace on the Eastern Shore and runs through Baltimore where Douglass escaped to freedom.
Also at the ceremony three Frederick Douglass quilts were unveiled – one for each of the three places in Maryland that helped shape his life and legacy.
