The public is invited to join Franklin County Visitors Bureau as it honors those connections in a Learn & Explore Weekend: Road to Freedom, October 3-4. Nathan Richardson and Doug Dobbs, portraying Frederick Douglass and John Brown, will bring the era’s history to life. The weekend begins with “A Freedom Tour of Franklin County,” Saturday, October 3, 9 AM to 3 PM, featuring sites associated with the Underground Railroad, Brown & Douglass, and the USCT. Sunday’s program shifts to Frederick Douglass with “Tea & Talk” in the Great Room of the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, 2 PM-4 PM. Inspired by Frederick Douglass’ European Tour of 1845-47, the conversation will cover the breadth of his life.
The Learn & Explore Weekend: Road to Freedom launches the fundraising effort for the John Brown & Frederick Douglass Statue in Chambersburg. All proceeds of both events will be used to fund the statue with an estimated cost of $200,000. Looking ahead, a 2027 Chautauqua is planned, and attendees of the October 3-4 event will have an exclusive first opportunity to participate in the inaugural Chautauqua.
The October 3-4 Learn & Explore Weekend will transport visitors back to the volatile autumn of 1859, a time when Chambersburg--a small town of just over 5000--was the covert staging ground for the raid on Harpers Ferry. The Weekend schedule includes:
· Saturday, October 3 — Freedom Bus Tour - Experience Sites include the Mary Ritner Boarding House, capture site of John Cook, home of bounty hunter Daniels Logan, Wertz Farm, lunch at Mont Alto, and USCT cemeteries. Programming explores the raid’s history, Franklin County’s role, and the diverse perspectives held across the county.
Sunday, October 4 — Tea & Talk with Frederick Douglass - A reflective afternoon covering the breadth of Douglass’ life. Tea service includes cucumber, ham, and chicken finger sandwiches, along with pound cake, scones, and spice treats.
Photo depicts Doug Dobbs as John Brown and Nathan Richardson as Frederick Douglass, adjacent to the PHMC marker telling of the meeting of Brown and Douglass in August 1859 to discuss the planned raid of Harper’s Ferry.
