The Imperial Hotel in Cork will be hosting a series of events to celebrate and honour Frederick Douglass during Black History Month.,
On October 12th, there will be a historic talk and walking tour of the Cork Abolitionists Trail to commemorate Douglass during his stay.
Frederick Douglass, a pivotal U.S. abolitionist and statesman, gave a speech titled “American Prejudice Against Colour” in The Great Room of The Imperial Hotel on October 23, 1845. This impactful speech received widespread attention, and a grand soiree was held for Douglass two days later at St Patrick’s Hall within the hotel.
During Black History Month, The Imperial Hotel will officially unveil the newly renovated Frederick Douglass Lounge, named in honour of the abolitionist. This executive guest lounge, adorned with artwork and a portrait of Douglass, offers an opportunity for interested visitors to learn more about his life and legacy.
To participate in the free event, interested individuals should gather outside the hotel at 5.30pm on Thursday, October 12th. They will then embark on a guided walking tour of the Cork Abolitionists Trail, exploring significant locations connected to Douglass’s visit and Cork’s abolitionist history. After the tour, attendees will return to the hotel for refreshments and a historic talk titled “Frederick Douglass, Transatlantic Abolitionism, and His October 1845 Speech at the Imperial Hotel.” Adrian Muligan of Bucknell University and Laurence Fenton, author of “Frederick Douglass in Ireland: the Black O’Connell,” members of The Globe Lane Initiative and #DouglassWeek, will lead the walk and talk. The Imperial Hotel appreciates its ongoing collaboration with The Globe Lane Initiative and #DouglassWeek and looks forward to future partnerships.
Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved Black American man, visited Cork in 1845 and became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in the United States. His powerful oratory skills and anti-slavery writings gained him recognition and support. Douglass spent three weeks in Cork, passionately denouncing slavery to large crowds and advocating for abolition.
The Imperial Hotel, the oldest hotel in Cork, has a rich social history and has hosted numerous notable events and figures over the years, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Michael Collins, Charles Dickens, and President Michael D Higgins. While the hotel exudes modern luxury, it still maintains its historical ambiance with vaulted ceilings, winding staircases, and crystal chandeliers, transporting visitors back in time.
Under the ownership of Louis Fitzgerald, who shares a passion for history and historical artifacts, The Imperial Hotel will honour Frederick Douglass by adding his name and story to the Wall of History in the hotel’s lobby.
For further information about Black History Month events at The Imperial Hotel, you can visit imperialhotelcork.com. To reserve a place for the Cork Abolitionists Trail tour and the Frederick Douglass talk, please visit Eventbrite. To learn more about #DouglassWeek and their upcoming annual event series in 2024, you can visit douglassweek.org. If you wish to book, please visit https://FrederickDouglassatTheImperialHotel.eventbrite.com.
