The first book that abolitionist Frederick Douglass purchased after his escape from slavery is among the many items on display in a new exhibition, "The Several Lives of Frederick Douglass," opening Friday, Feb. 14-his 185th birthday-at the University of Rochester.
Historically important materials and images related to Douglass (1818-1895) in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Rush Rhees Library will include an underground railroad pass written and signed by him, letters, books, and other documents. The title of the exhibit stems from Douglass's observation that he lived "several lives in one. First, the life of slavery; secondly, the life of a fugitive from slavery; thirdly, the life of comparative freedom; fourthly, the life of conflict and battle; and fifthly, the life of victory, if not complete, at least assured."
Materials for display were selected from the extensive Douglass collection at the library. The exhibition is a companion event to an academic conference in late March that will examine Douglass's 19th-century world of cultural and political reform. It is being organized by the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies at the University of Rochester.
Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The exhibit is free and will continue through May 10. For more information, contact (585) 275-4477.