School 12: James P.B. Duffy School

School 12 or the James P. B. Duffy School is built upon the same lot as Frederick Douglass’s longtime home. The school may not be named after him in an official sense but it is colloquially known as the Frederick Douglass School. There is also a mural of Frederick Douglass painted in the lobby of the school. The elementary school is known for having a very diverse set of students and for being accepting of all students. The school’s surroundings also honor the memory of Douglass as there are several markers explaining that the site is of historical significance. These New York State markers give some context to Douglass and the things that happened in this South Avenue home. Additionally, the recreation center that is attached to the school, but not affiliated with it, is named the Frederick Douglass Recreation Center. The recreation center also keeps up his legacy by helping at-risk youth through its after school programs. While not quite on the level of Douglass assisting with getting slaves out of the country, it is still in the spirit of Douglass and is likely a program he would have supported if he were alive today. This entry is part of a public history project developed by the RIT Museum Studies program in celebration of the bicentennial of Frederick Douglass’s birth (February 1818). More information on the subject can be found here www.rcsdk12.org/12.

This entry is part of a public history project developed by the RIT Museum Studies program in celebration of the bicentennial of Frederick Douglass’s birth (February 1818). More information on the subject can be found here www.rcsdk12.org/12.