Unearthing a Hidden History
In 2005, Riversmeet's Richard Bradbury found a surprising reference to the visit of escaped slave and leading abolitionist Frederick Douglass to Exeter in 1846 in a copy of the Exeter Flying Post held in the Devon and Exeter Institution. At the time, Richard was working on a play about Douglass commemorating the 200th anniversary of the end of the transatlantic slave trade, performed at City Hall in London and the Hackney Empire in 2007. However, this intriguing reference to Douglass’s visit continued to simmer on his creative back burner.
Bringing Douglass's Legacy to Light
Fast forward to 2022, when Riversmeet partnered with John Sealey of Fabian’s Film and Dave Samuels and Nev Connor of Ubuntu Educational and Mentoring Services. Together, they set out to illuminate this forgotten chapter in Exeter’s history. Douglass's visit was more than just a speech; it was a monumental event, drawing some of the largest crowds Exeter had ever seen. His presence put a spotlight on the tireless efforts of local abolitionists, who had been fighting against the horrors of slavery. Our team was determined to resurrect this extraordinary story and make sure it found its rightful place in our shared heritage.
The Frederick Douglass Roadshow
With support from the Devon Community Foundation, we brought Douglass's visit to life in the summer of 2023 through a short film. One of the most thrilling parts of the project was filming in the very building that once housed the Exeter Assembly Rooms, where Douglass had delivered his impassioned speeches in 1846, kindly loaned to us by its current users the Rediscover Church.
From this film, we developed the ‘Frederick Douglass Roadshow’—an immersive experience that includes:
-
Historical Talks:
Providing context and delving into Douglass’s powerful message.
-
Film Screenings:
Sharing the short film as a vivid portrayal of his Exeter visit.
-
Live Drama:
Bringing Douglass's words and the energy of the 1846 audience to life on stage.
-
Facilitated Discussions:
Encouraging reflection on the significance of Douglass’s work and its impact on the present day.
-
Upcoming Exhibition:
A deeper dive into the history, set to launch later this year.
Reviving the Story for Modern Audiences
The Roadshow has already made waves at several venues, including Black History Month workshops at HMP Exeter, the Devon and Exeter Institution, and Exeter Customs House. But we’re just getting started. We want to reach every corner of the community, connecting people with this powerful piece of their heritage. By partnering with local libraries, the Trades Council, and even non-traditional spaces, we aim to show that history is alive and accessible to all. Plus, we want to inspire others by showcasing how diligent research in local archives can transform into vibrant cultural projects that resonate with today's audiences.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
2025 promises to be an exciting year as we plan to weave the film into a live theatre production and expand our exhibition. We are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received so far from The Devon Community Foundation, HMP Exeter, Exeter Culture ArtsShare Exeter, Exeter Trades Council (special thanks to ASLEF), and the Devon and Exeter Institution. Together, we are not just retelling history; we are reigniting the legacy of Frederick Douglass for future generations.
