Join a living history presenter portraying Frederick Douglass, a former slave turned writer, orator, abolitionist and civil rights leader for a conversation about the meaning of American democracy in the historic Hayes Home. During this program, Nathan M. Richardson will portray Douglass, who was born into slavery in Maryland, and share how Douglass escaped bondage and became a public speaker, author and leader. You will hear how Douglass’ views on the U.S. Constitution and American democracy evolved and about his relationships with suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony; abolitionist and journalist William Lloyd Garrison; Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman; and Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes and James A. Garfield.

Richardson also will take questions from the audience. The program will be appropriate for young audiences, as well as adults.

The program is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the large parlor of the Hayes Home. Seating is limited, and tickets are required. They are available online at www.rbhayes.org.

Douglass and Hayes have ties during Hayes’ years in the White House. Hayes appointed Douglass the U.S. marshal of Washington, D.C., and the two were friendly. In Hayes Presidential’s collections are items of correspondence, including a telegram of condolence that Douglass sent to Hayes when First Lady Lucy Hayes died.