The life and legacy of Frederick Douglass is laid out in extraordinary fashion in an immersive film to be shown at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.
From July 11–20, visitors can see “Bear Me Into Freedom: Frederick Douglass and the Struggle for America’s Promise”, a limited-engagement immersive film experience. Screenings are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The film is included with museum admission and reservations are not required.
The production was developed by the Bear Me Into Freedom Collaborative in support of Maryland’s America 250 observance. The film combines historical storytelling with visual technology to create a unique museum experience.
Douglass was a Maryland-born abolitionist, author, orator, and statesman who began life enslaved in Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. After he escaped to freedom, he became one of the most influential voices for abolition, emancipation, and equal rights, including having the ear and immense respect of President Abraham Lincoln.
The hour-long multi-media experience follows Douglass from his birth through his escape from enslavement, his rise to world recognition as an acclaimed writer and orator, and his advocacy for equality. Audiences feel like they are companions on, rather than spectators to his journey, as screens surround them with the scenery and towns that shaped his early years. Visitors are invited to be curious about how they can fulfill the promises of liberty and equality made in the Declaration of Independence.
“Frederick Douglass challenged America to live up to its highest ideals, and his words continue to resonate today,” said Terri Lee Freeman, president of The Lewis Museum. “As we commemorate America 250, this immersive experience offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on Douglass’ extraordinary journey and the enduring pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice that continues to shape our nation.”
Douglass attended Lincoln’s second inaugural address and the White House reception afterwards. Here is what Douglass wrote about both the address, and his interaction with Lincoln at the reception.
It was very short; but he answered all the objections raised to his prolonging the war in one sentence – it was a remarkable sentence.
‘Fondly do we hope, profoundly do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war shall soon pass away, yet if God wills it to continue until all the wealth piled up by two hundred years of bondage shall have been wasted, and each drop of blood drawn by the lash shall have been paid for by one drawn by the sword, we will still say, as was said three thousand years ago, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’…
[At the reception following] I could not have been more than ten feet from him when Mr. Lincoln saw me; his countenance lighted up, and he said in a voice which was heard all around, ‘Here comes my friend Douglass.’ As I approached him he reached out his hand, gave me a cordial shake, and said: ‘Douglass, I saw you in the crowd to-day listening to my inaugural address. There is no man’s opinion that I value more than yours: what did you think of it?’ I said: ‘Mr. Lincoln, I cannot stop here to talk with you, as there are thousands waiting to shake you by the hand;’ but he said again: ‘What did you think of it?’ I said: ‘Mr. Lincoln, it was a sacred effort,’ and then I walked off. ‘I am glad you liked it,’ he said. That was the last time I saw him to speak with him.” – excerpted from “Lincoln As I Knew Him”, Edited by Harold Holzer
The “Bear Me Into Freedom” project was started a decade ago by Jeffrey C. McGuiness, a St. Michael’s-based photographer. He created the black-and-white photos that calalogued the specific places Douglass named in his autobiographies as well as other places he described. They became a book and exhibition at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael’s.
Work on the film began five years ago with Harriette Lowery, co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society. Lance Morris provides the voice of Frederick Douglass, and former Lewis Museum board Chair W. Drew Hawkins voices the Declaration of Independence. A descendent of Douglass, Marshall Bailey IV, also appears in the film. He bears a strong resemblance to the abolitionist when he was young.
On Saturday, July 18, after the 1 p.m. showing, visitors are invited to stay for a special conversation with the creative team behind the film. Featured panelists will include Lowery, McGuiness, and Morris, who will discuss the creation of “Bear Me Into Freedom” and the inspiration behind the project. The conversation is included with regular museum admission.
