An immersive film that highlights the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass will be showcased at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.
Between July 11 and July 20, guests can experience “Bear Me Into Freedom: Frederick Douglass and the Struggle for America’s Promise,” a unique film during a limited engagement. Showings will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Admission to the film is included with the museum entry, and advance reservations are not necessary.
This production, crafted by the Bear Me Into Freedom Collaborative, supports Maryland’s America 250 anniversary observance. Utilizing a blend of historical narration and visual technology, the film guarantees a distinctive museum experience.
Frederick Douglass was born in Maryland as an enslaved individual in Talbot County on the Eastern Shore. After escaping to freedom, he emerged as a seminal figure advocating for abolition, emancipation, and equal rights, gaining significant respect from President Abraham Lincoln along the way.
This immersive film experience lasts about an hour and traces Douglass’s journey from his birth through his escape from slavery, his emergence as a celebrated writer and orator, and his unwavering advocacy for equality. Viewers will feel like active participants in Douglass’s extraordinary experiences as they are surrounded by images capturing the landscapes and communities that influenced his early life. The film encourages visitors to ponder ways they can contribute to upholding the ideals of liberty and equality outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
“Frederick Douglass challenged America to adhere to its highest principles, and his messages continue to hold relevance today,” remarked Terri Lee Freeman, president of The Lewis Museum. “In honoring America 250, this immersive experience allows visitors to reflect on Douglass’s remarkable journey as well as the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality, and justice that shapes our nation.”
Douglass notably attended Lincoln’s second inaugural address and the subsequent White House reception. He captured his reflections on both the address and his encounter with Lincoln during the reception.
“It was very short; but he answered all the objections raised to his prolonging the war in one sentence – it was a remarkable sentence. ‘Fondly do we hope, profoundly do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war shall soon pass away, yet if God wills it to continue until all the wealth piled up by two hundred years of bondage shall have been wasted, and each drop of blood drawn by the lash shall have been paid for by one drawn by the sword, we will still say, as was said three thousand years ago, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’…
[At the reception following] I could not have been more than ten feet from him when Mr. Lincoln saw me; his countenance lighted up, and he said in a voice which was heard all around, ‘Here comes my friend Douglass.’ As I approached him he reached out his hand, gave me a cordial shake, and said: ‘Douglass, I saw you in the crowd to-day listening to my inaugural address. There is no man’s opinion that I value more than yours: what did you think of it?’ I said: ‘Mr. Lincoln, I cannot stop here to talk with you, as there are thousands waiting to shake you by the hand;’ but he said again: ‘What did you think of it?’ I said: ‘Mr. Lincoln, it was a sacred effort,’ and then I walked off. ‘I am glad you liked it,’ he said. That was the last time I saw him to speak with him.” – excerpted from “Lincoln As I Knew Him”, Edited by Harold Holzer
The “Bear Me Into Freedom” initiative was initiated a decade ago by Jeffrey C. McGuiness, a photographer based in St. Michael’s. He created striking black-and-white images detailing specific locations referenced in Douglass’s autobiographies, which later culminated into a book and an exhibition at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael’s.
Filming commenced five years ago under the leadership of Harriette Lowery, co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society. The voice of Frederick Douglass is expertly provided by Lance Morris, while former Lewis Museum board Chair W. Drew Hawkins lends his voice for the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, a descendant of Douglass, Marshall Bailey IV, appears in the film, bearing a striking resemblance to the young abolitionist.
On Saturday, July 18, following the 1 p.m. screening, attendees are encouraged to participate in a special discussion with the film’s creative team. The panel will feature insights from Lowery, McGuiness, and Morris, who will share their experiences in creating “Bear Me Into Freedom” and the sources of inspiration behind the project. This conversation is included with standard museum admission.
