More than 170 years after Frederick Douglass delivered his landmark speech, What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?, its questions about freedom, citizenship, and equality continue to resonate.

Join the Robert Russa Moton Museum, Josephine School Community Museum, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley for this free program commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and exploring how the nation’s founding ideals have been challenged, claimed, and expanded over time.

The program features readings from Douglass’s 1852 speech by retired college professors James R. Coates Jr. and Miles K. Davis. Commentary will be provided by Leah Brown, Associate Director of Education and Collections at the Robert Russa Moton Museum, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Presented as part of the VA250 initiative, the program invites participants to consider the nation’s founding principles and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.

Admission is free. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Reserve your spot through the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley event page or call 540-662-1473, ext. 240. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

Before or after the program, visit the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and experience the opening day of the special exhibition Revolutionary Valley. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors on July 4.