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In partnership with the city of Rochester, the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives plans to explore the creation of a cultural corridor in the High Falls district.
FDFI has signed a memorandum of understanding with the city for the proposed project located at 46, 52 and 84 Andrews Street. The corridor along the Genesee River will honor the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass.
Led by Douglass’ direct descendants, the project proposes a museum, a cultural center and a public park. The city has begun an environmental assessment of the Andrews Street properties to evaluate their development potential, officials say.
“We are in the early stages of exploration for this project, but are very excited at the opportunity to finally establish a center in Rochester to celebrate Frederick Douglass and educate future generations about his historic life and accomplishments,” says Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. “Frederick Douglass left an indelible mark on Rochester, and his contributions continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring power of hope and the fight for a better, more just world.”
The project site is a stone’s throw away from where Douglass published the North Star, an abolitionist newspaper. The corridor also would bring attention to Rochester’s role as a center for 19th-century activism, abolition efforts, and the Underground Railroad, while honoring Douglass’s enduring legacy, officials say. The center is expected to provide access to cultural and educational resources that link historical achievements with the civic engagement of today.
“Frederick Douglass made Rochester his home for 25 years, where he published his newspaper, ‘The North Star,’ and established the city as a vital center in the fight for equality,” says Kenneth Morris Jr., founder and president of FDFI and the great-great-great grandson of the Douglasses. “This partnership with the City of Rochester represents an important step toward creating a space that honors my ancestor’s enduring legacy in a city that was at the forefront of America’s reform movements. The proposed cultural campus will create a new dynamic gathering place that celebrates Rochester’s unique role in shaping our nation’s history while inspiring future generations.”
Founded in 2007 by direct descendants of Douglass and Booker T. Washington, FDFI is focused on building on its ancestors’ work in the realms of education, equality, and human rights. The nonprofit, which moved to Rochester in 2019, provides programming and initiatives geared at achieving lasting change.
Rochester was home to the Douglass family. Douglass, Anna Murray Douglass, and their daughters Annie and Rosetta are buried at Mount Hope Cemetery. Honoring Douglass’ history has been a key initiative for Morris and FDFI.
“This is an exciting first step in developing a unique and powerful recognition of Frederick Douglass and the work he did here in Monroe County to advance freedom for Black people across the nation,” says Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “A cultural campus dedicated to Douglass’ achievements in the heart of downtown will serve as an important reminder to residents and visitors alike of Rochester’s historic place at the forefront of social justice.”
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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I’m curious if there has been any attempt to create a museum for Frederick Douglass and The North Star in the building where The North Star was published, i.e. the Talman building, which still stands at 25 E. Main St.