Frederick Douglass anniversary events planned

The city of Rochester and the Rochester Public Library are sponsoring several events at the Central Library and the Frederick Douglass Community Library in honor of Frederick Douglass , who was born 200 years ago in February 1818. Douglass chose to celebrate his birthday on Feb. 14.

Events scheduled throughout the year, which Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has proclaimed The Year of Frederick Douglass, include:

• From 1 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, at the Central Library’s Rundel Memorial Building, 115 South Ave, there will be a discussion with Leigh Fought, author of Women in the World of Frederick Douglass, in the second floor conference room of the Rundel Memorial Building. Fought, professor of history at LeMoyne College, will discuss the role women played in Frederick Douglass’ life and how they influenced his activism. For information, visit www.libraryweb.org or call (585) 428-8366.
•  There will be a birthday party celebrating Frederick Douglass at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the Frederick Douglass Community Library, 971 South Ave. Robert Djed Snead will perform as the Rev. Jermain Loguen, a Douglass contemporary, and will speak about abolitionism, the Underground Railroad and the importance of education and community involvement. Patrons can sign a birthday card for Mr. Douglass and enjoy light refreshments. This event is sponsored by Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library. Learn more at www.FFRPL.org.
•  A Frederick Douglass re-enactment is set for 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Frederick Douglass Community Library, 971 South Ave. The Frederick Douglass re-enactment will be performed by Nathan Richardson, a poet and performer who will recite one of Frederick Douglass’ speeches and answer questions as Douglass. The event is sponsored by Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library.
•  An exhibit called Frederick Douglass’ Rochester: Mapping His Tracks in Our City will be open until Aug. 31 at the Central Library’s Rundel Memorial Building, 115 South Ave. The exhibit on the second floor of the Rundel Memorial Building, highlights the spaces and places that informed Douglass’ life in Rochester. The free exhibit is open during library hours: Monday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday., 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Sunday). Call (585) 428-8370 for more information.
•  Numerous other events are also being planned throughout the year. Visit www.cityofrochester.gov/FrederickDouglass200 for a schedule of events and more information.