January 17, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Art & Historical Society invites the community to attend a free historical figure portrayal by celebrated reenactor John H. Anderson titled, “Being Frederick Douglass.” The program will be held at Frederick Douglass Gymnasium, 111 Olivia Street, on Wednesday, February 1, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The program is free of charge, but advance registration is requested to ensure seating. To register online visit www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events/frederickdouglass
“In his portrayal of the famed abolitionist, writer and orator Frederick Douglass, Anderson will examine the political and sociological impacts of the violent and unstable nineteenth century and how African Americans helped shape the nation we live in today,” says Cori Convertito, Curator and Historian for the Key West Art & Historical Society. “We urge everyone in our community to join us in this exploration of African American history and to learn more about the impacts made by such a poignant individual.”
One of Anderson’s passions is history – specifically Civil War history – which he personifies when he dons historically accurate clothing and performs as freed slave turned abolitionist/ author Frederick Douglass. A retired analytical chemist with the Florida Department of Agriculture, Anderson has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy with a minor in psychology from Florida State University. He is also the son of professional storytellers and Civil War re-enactors Mary and Joel Fears. Anderson has participated in the Battle of Olustee Festival for over seventeen years and has been the leading speaker at Emancipation Day commemorations in Tallahassee.
This program is free and while registration is not required, the Society strongly recommends it. www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events/frederickdouglass. Support for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional support was provided by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, The Helmerich Trust, Aloys & Carol Metty, and The John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund. For more information, contact Cori Convertito at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: All members of the community are invited to attend the free presentation, “Being Frederick Douglass: A Historical Figure Portrayal” which take place on February 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass Gymnasium at 111 Olivia Street. (Photo Credit: Library of Congress)
