Year Completed: 2006
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Contractor: Struever Brothers Eccles and Rouse Inc.,
Architect: Ziger/Snead LLP Architects
The Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park has been known as the “Caring Americans Museum” for over 100 years. Being that it’s been around that long, it was time for a facelift. In 2006, the Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park was renovated by the Struever Brothers Eccles and Rouse Inc., and Ziger/Snead LLP Architects. Their goal was to “brighten up” the historical museum.
The Problem: Narrow windows were a challenge because the original building was not constructed with any windows, just open space. So not only did windows have to be put in, but sections of walls had to be knocked out. This was expected, but still a difficult problem.
The Solution: Pella Architect Series windows were custom fit with an extra narrow width to make them appear invisible. They were painted a dark red to match the brick building and a glaze was put on to match the paint to blend with the building. This was important because the architects wanted to keep the historical charm of the old building. “It was an honor to be part of this revitalization project in Baltimore”, said Sales Representative, Jim Cassidy. They now stand tall and discreet in this historical building.
In paying homage to Frederick Douglass, this renovation was a payment of respect for some one with an immense amount of passion and courage. He was born as an African American slave in Maryland in February 1817. He secretly taught himself to read and write through books he had acquired. In 1836 he started working as a ship caulker for a Baltimore ship builder. Many free African Americans worked in this factory. He met a young woman named Anna Murray and they married in September of 1838.
Throughout the rest of his life, he became passionate about the abolitionist movement and wrote a book called Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. After people began studying his book, his name spread to slave hunters and he was forced into England. His British friends purchased his freedom and he returned to the United States as a free man and a public icon in Rochester, New York. He moved to Washington D.C. in 1871 with his wife, Anna Murray. In 1877, he became the U.S. Marshal for Washington D.C. He wrote several other autobiographies and books. Following these events, his beloved wife died in 1881.
After dealing with his grief, Frederick Douglass put out his final autobiography, The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass and moved to Cedar Hill. He then married a European friend in 1884, Helen Pitts. He resigned his posts in 1891 and perished in his Cedar Hill home in 1895.
The building where ships were being constructed was refurbished into a museum honoring Frederick Douglass in the late 19th century. There is also an award presented annually in his honor, to the most caring adults and young adults of America. It’s named, “The National Caring Award”.