Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center

The Museum resides in Twin Oaks, the summer cottage built in 1895 for Frederick Douglass by his son, Charles Remond Douglass. Restored in the 1980s, the property was acquired in 1995 by the State of Maryland and Anne Arundel County, then deeded to the Town of Highland Beach as a memorial to Douglass—one of Maryland’s most prominent historical figures.

The museum seeks to deepen public understanding of Frederick Douglass’ life and his family, preserve the social and cultural histories of Highland Beach and Venice Beach, and provide access to these resources for education and research.  The Museum Director provides trained docents who lead tours and curate exhibits that highlight the rich history of “The Beach.”

A highly regarded historical publication, Highland Beach on the Chesapeake Bay—authored by Jack E. Nelson, Raymond L. Langston, and Margo Dean Pinson—chronicles the town’s story from 1892 to 2007. The 160-page memoriam is illustrated with 230 photographs.

 Please note: The museum is currently closed for repairs and renovations.