We believe Frederick Douglass’ words belong in public spaces and provide grant support to readings in town squares, community centers, churches, museums, libraries, and parks.
Each year, Mass Humanities organizes and funds these free public events where communities gather together to read and talk about Frederick Douglass’ influential address, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
Organizations interested in hosting an event can propose any format for the reading and discussion that will foster a rich and productive community conversation.
Mass Humanities is proud to support these organizations as they host Reading Frederick Douglass Together events across the Commonwealth in 2023.
Wednesday, April 26
Holyoke
Location: Holyoke Community College, in-person at the College Cafeteria, 303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke or remote via Zoom
Time: 11am
Juneteenth (Monday, June 19)
Haverhill
Location: Whittier Birthplace, 305 Whittier Rd, Haverhill
Time: 6pm
Natick
Location: Morse Institute Library, 14 East Central St, Natick
Time: 10am
Medway
Location: TBD
Time: TBD
Tuesday, June 27
Milton
Location: Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams St, Milton
Time: TBD
Wednesday, June 28
Somerville
Location: Bow Market (tentative), 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville
Time: 4pm (tentative)
Friday, June 30
Worcester
Location: Worcester City Hall, 455 Main St, Worcester
Time: TBD
Saturday, July 1
Beverly
Location: Hale Farm, 39 Hale St, Beverly
Time: 10am
Sunday, July 2
Jamaica Plain
Location: First Baptist Church, 633 Centre St, Jamaica Plain
Time: TBT
Northampton
Location: Historic Northampton, 46 Bridge St, Northampton
Time: 11:30am
Monday, July 3
Lynn
Location: Frederick Douglas Park, 1-15 Exchange St, Lynn
Time: 11am
Tuesday, July 4
Boston
Location: Boston Harbor
Time: TBD
Fall River
Location: TBD
Time: TBD
Norwood
Location: Old Parish Cemetery, 480 Washington St, Norwood
Time: 2pm
Oak Bluffs
Location: Inkwell Beach, 83 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs
Time: TBD
Plainfield
Location: Alden Pavilion (behind Library), 312 Main St, Plainfield
Time: TBD
Saturday, October 7
Hadley
Location: Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, 130 River Dr, Hadley
Time: TBD