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