Is the community reading open to all ages?

Yes, the event is suitable for attendees of all ages who are interested in history and meaningful dialogue.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, tickets are limited and advance booking is recommended to secure your spot.

Is there parking available onsite?

Yes, free parking is available at Canterbury Shaker Village but can fill quickly on event days.

Can I bring children to the reading?

Children are welcome, though the speech’s content may be more suitable for older kids and adults.

Are pets allowed during the event?

Pets are not permitted on site during this event to maintain a respectful environment.

Is the Meeting House wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Meeting House has accommodations for wheelchair access.

Frederick Douglass Reading at Canterbury Shaker Village

Experience a deeply moving and educational moment with the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire at Canterbury Shaker Village. This private community reading features Frederick Douglass’ powerful speech “What to the Slave is your Fourth of July?” delivered within the historic 1792 Meeting House. The event offers visitors a chance to reflect on the meaning of freedom, justice, and the complexities of American history during Independence Day. Set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most unique preserved villages, the reading creates a respectful, thoughtful space for dialogue and remembrance. Guests are invited to engage with the history and the enduring relevance of Douglass’ words, fostering connection and understanding through collective reflection. Whether you are a history enthusiast or seeking a meaningful way to commemorate the nation’s holiday, this gathering at Canterbury promises an unforgettable and heartening experience.

About Canterbury Shaker Village

Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic Shaker community and living history museum located in Canterbury, New Hampshire. The Village offers guided tours, special exhibitions, community readings, concerts, hands-on workshops, and seasonal events that interpret Shaker life, craft, and communal practices.

Educational programs highlight primary sources and personal narratives, including special tours inspired by Nicolas Briggs’s memoir Forty Years a Shaker and guided walks led by the Village’s education staff such as Director of Education Kyle Sandler. Visitors can attend readings in the 1792 Meeting House, music on the green, antique and vintage car shows set among fall foliage, and exhibition openings that honor the Shakers’ legacy.

Workshops and demonstrations teach traditional Shaker skills; examples include a cherry oval box workshop led by instructor Dick Bennett and farm-to-table dinners paired with historic tours at community gatherings like Simply Shaker. Members and preview events bring curators and historians together to contextualize artifacts, as seen in the Keeping Faith exhibition talks with curators Renée Fox, Kyle Sandler, and Shirley Wajda.

Canterbury Shaker Village maintains credibility through documented artifacts, named curators and educators, and a range of public programs that connect visitors directly to Shaker material culture. The Village’s calendar of events and combination of tours, exhibitions, and hands-on learning provide reliable opportunities for visitors to explore early American religious life and Shaker craftsmanship. Public programs often include live music, community readings, vintage car exhibitions, curator talks, and light refreshments during exhibition openings to deepen visitor engagement with Shaker history and authentic material culture.