Frederick Douglass’ Historic Allentown Speech Recreated on November 8

On November 8, 2023, a significant historical event will be recreated in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the renowned orator Frederick Douglass returns to the Gold Courtroom of the Historic Lehigh County Courthouse, where he delivered a powerful address on April 8, 1870. This reenactment, featuring scholar and historical reenactor Darius Wallace, aims to capture the essence of Douglass’s impact on American society during a pivotal time in history.

Douglass’ Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

Five years after the Civil War, Douglass addressed a packed audience in the same courtroom, speaking on the topic of immigration in his speech “The Composite Nation.” This address came at a time when the influx of Chinese workers was reshaping the nation. Wallace’s performance will honor Douglass’s legacy by presenting another of his significant speeches, “The Self Made Man,” which emphasizes personal integrity and self-improvement.

The free event is sponsored by the Lehigh County Historical Society in collaboration with President Judge J. Brian Johnson and the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County. It will commence at 1 p.m. and last approximately one hour, which is about half the length of Douglass’s original speech. According to Jill Youngken, assistant director and chief curator of the historical society, the original event drew a standing-room-only crowd, underscoring Douglass’s stature as a national figure.

A Historic Venue and Anticipated Attendance

The Gold Courtroom remains largely unchanged from Douglass’s time, providing an authentic backdrop for this reenactment. Youngken noted the excitement surrounding Douglass’s visit in 1870, as reflected in a local newspaper, the Lehigh Valley Register, which reported, “Crowded audiences everywhere throughout the United States have been listening with delight to his eloquent utterances.” Tickets for the event sold quickly, and Youngken anticipates a similar response this year, urging attendees to arrive early due to expected high turnout.

Douglass, born into slavery in Maryland in 1818, escaped to the North and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. He published three autobiographies, beginning with “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” in 1845, a seminal work that helped galvanize the abolitionist cause. His advocacy for both abolition and women’s rights remains influential today.

The upcoming event not only commemorates Douglass’s contributions but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration and civil rights. Attendees can expect an inspiring performance that resonates with contemporary audiences, reflecting on values that remain relevant in today’s society.

The Historic Lehigh County Courthouse is located at 503 W. Hamilton St. For those interested in witnessing this reenactment, early arrival is recommended to ensure a spot in the audience.

For further details, readers can contact the local press or the Lehigh County Historical Society for more information about this significant event.