Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives Signs Partnership Agreement with City of Rochester

The Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Rochester to explore the development of a cultural corridor in downtown Rochester. The proposed project would be located at 46, 52, and 84 Andrews Street, along the historic Genesee River, where it would honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Frederick Douglass and his family, who called Rochester home for 25 years. The proposed project, led by direct descendants of Frederick Douglass, envisions a vibrant cultural campus featuring a museum, cultural center, and public park to celebrate the legacy of one of America’s most influential voices. As a first step in assessing the site’s feasibility, the City has initiated an environmental assessment of the Andrews Street properties to evaluate their development potential.

“Frederick Douglass made Rochester his home for 25 years, where he published his newspaper, ‘The North Star,’ and established the city as a vital center in the fight for equality,” said Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., Founder and President of FDFI and a direct descendant of Frederick Douglass. “This partnership with the City of Rochester represents an important step toward creating a space that honors my ancestor’s enduring legacy in a city that was at the forefront of America’s reform movements. The proposed cultural campus will create a new dynamic gathering place that celebrates Rochester’s unique role in shaping our nation’s history while inspiring future generations.”

The Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), led by direct descendants of Frederick Douglass, seeks to create a transformative museum, cultural center, and park honoring Douglass and his family. The site is located less than a quarter of a mile from where he published his influential abolitionist newspaper, the North Star. The project also celebrates Rochester’s essential role as a center for 19th-century activism, abolition efforts, and the Underground Railroad, while honoring Douglass’s enduring legacy. To inspire children and empower future changemakers, the center will provide crucial access to cultural and educational resources that connect historical achievements with modern civic engagement.

Source: FDFI