Exploring Freedom: John Brown and Frederick Douglass Statue Campaign Launch in Franklin County
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, is set to commemorate its rich historical legacy this October with an event that focuses on two pivotal figures in American history: John Brown and Frederick Douglass. As the county celebrates 250 years of American history, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to participate in the Learn & Explore Weekend: Road to Freedom on October 3 and 4. This event will highlight the significant contributions of these two historical icons and support the fundraising efforts for a statue to honor them.
The free event kicks off with A Freedom Tour of Franklin County on Saturday, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore locations associated with the Underground Railroad, the lives of Brown and Douglass, and sites important to the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Highlighted stops will include the Mary Ritner Boarding House, the capture site of John Cook, and several significant cemeteries.
On Sunday, the focus shifts to Frederick Douglass with a Tea Talk at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center from 2 PM to 4 PM. This reflective conversation will draw inspiration from Douglass' European tour from 1845 to 1847, spanning the breadth of his extraordinary life as an advocate for freedom and equality.
The weekend's events aim to educate attendees about the tumultuous autumn of 1859, when Chambersburg served as a covert staging ground for Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. Nathan Richardson and Doug Dobbs are set to bring this important era to life through portrayals of Douglass and Brown, enriching participants' understanding of the complex narratives surrounding freedom during this pivotal time in American history.
Significantly, this weekend marks the launch of an ambitious fundraising initiative for the John Brown and Frederick Douglass statue, estimated to cost around $200,000. The statue will be a prominent feature on the forthcoming Franklin County Road to Freedom Trail, which will illustrate the history from Pennsylvania's Abolition of Slavery Act of 1847 through to the ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870. Janet Pollard, executive director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, emphasized the importance of continuing to share the story of freedom during this landmark year. She stated, "As we neared the end of 2026, it's essential to keep the theme of freedom alive and present another chapter of this historical journey."
Proceeds from this event will contribute directly to funding the statue, promoting broader awareness of the area's rich history and the significant impact of the abolitionist movement.
Event participation is accessible through a fixed fee or donation to remove financial barriers for interested attendees. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau encourages everyone to immerse themselves in a weekend filled with history, arts, and the vibrant culture of local communities including Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro.
For additional information, ticketing details, and to contribute to this meaningful cause, interested individuals can visit ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com or contact the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 866-646-8060. Don't miss this chance to learn more about essential figures in American history while also contributing to a lasting tribute in Franklin County.
The free event kicks off with A Freedom Tour of Franklin County on Saturday, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore locations associated with the Underground Railroad, the lives of Brown and Douglass, and sites important to the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Highlighted stops will include the Mary Ritner Boarding House, the capture site of John Cook, and several significant cemeteries.
On Sunday, the focus shifts to Frederick Douglass with a Tea Talk at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center from 2 PM to 4 PM. This reflective conversation will draw inspiration from Douglass' European tour from 1845 to 1847, spanning the breadth of his extraordinary life as an advocate for freedom and equality.
The weekend's events aim to educate attendees about the tumultuous autumn of 1859, when Chambersburg served as a covert staging ground for Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. Nathan Richardson and Doug Dobbs are set to bring this important era to life through portrayals of Douglass and Brown, enriching participants' understanding of the complex narratives surrounding freedom during this pivotal time in American history.
Significantly, this weekend marks the launch of an ambitious fundraising initiative for the John Brown and Frederick Douglass statue, estimated to cost around $200,000. The statue will be a prominent feature on the forthcoming Franklin County Road to Freedom Trail, which will illustrate the history from Pennsylvania's Abolition of Slavery Act of 1847 through to the ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870. Janet Pollard, executive director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, emphasized the importance of continuing to share the story of freedom during this landmark year. She stated, "As we neared the end of 2026, it's essential to keep the theme of freedom alive and present another chapter of this historical journey."
Proceeds from this event will contribute directly to funding the statue, promoting broader awareness of the area's rich history and the significant impact of the abolitionist movement.
Event participation is accessible through a fixed fee or donation to remove financial barriers for interested attendees. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau encourages everyone to immerse themselves in a weekend filled with history, arts, and the vibrant culture of local communities including Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro.
For additional information, ticketing details, and to contribute to this meaningful cause, interested individuals can visit ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com or contact the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 866-646-8060. Don't miss this chance to learn more about essential figures in American history while also contributing to a lasting tribute in Franklin County.
Topics People & Culture）
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