Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of John Brown’s Raid
The National Park Service and partners in four states are commemorated the 150th anniversary of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry with a year-long series of activities. On Saturday May 30, 2009, NPCA proudly sponsored the appearance of veteran actor and Frederick Douglass interpreter Fred Morsell. Mr. Morsell returned to Harpers Ferry to recreate Douglass’ 1881 address to the students, faculty, and guests of Storer College. More than 120 park visitors were able to hear the address and gain a unique perspective on the John Brown raid. Delivered during a time when many regarded John Brown as a lunatic and failed insurrectionist, Douglass’ speech extolled both Brown’s virtues and his actions, declaring “I lived for the slave… John Brown died for the slave.”
John Brown sesquicentennial events continued at Harpers Ferry, and elsewhere, through December 2009. For details please visit www.johnbrownraid.org. With the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War beginning April 2011 – April 2015, there will be more events to come.
