Frederick Douglass Returns to the Newtown Theatre

On February 4, 1864, Frederick Douglass visited Newtown and spoke at Newtown Hall, now known as Newtown Theatre. On February 4, 2025 – exactly 162 years later – the theatre will welcome nationally acclaimed Frederick Douglass impersonator Darius Wallace to the theatre to deliver “Frederick Douglass: The Self-Made Man & The Work of Rebuilding a Nation.”

This is a completely different show than 2025. 

In this one-man theatrical event, Wallace steps into the voice, passion and moral authority of Frederick Dougalss to deliver his power Self-Made Man speech – an enduring message about resilience, education and self-determination. But this is more than a recitation. The evening expands to include what Douglass spoke about in Newtown in 1864, which was his urgent advocacy for the Freedmen’s Bureau – an institution that provided education, housing, and legal aid to millions of newly freed men and women – and his vision for a nation united by justice and equality.

This performance speaks powerfully to today’s conversations about equity, citizenship, and the responsibility we share in shaping a more just society. It is a stirring reminder that the work of freedom is never finished and that we all have a role in building the future.

Cocktail Hour

Prior to the event, a limited number of tickets are available for a 6-7 PM cocktail hour at the historic Court Inn, 105 Court Street. Wallace will attend the cocktail party as Frederick Douglass.

Combined tickets for the cocktail hour/performance include VIP seating at the Newtown Theatre. All proceeds from the cocktail hour benefit the Newtown Historic Association.

African American Museum of Bucks County

A percentage of ticket sales from the Frederick Douglass presentation will support the African American Museum of Bucks County. For 10 years, the AAMBC has honored the rich legacy of the African American experience in mobile exhibits that inspire pride in our heritage, share untold stories about the diverse journey of our people, and highlight African American contributions in art, music, literature, politics, sports, and culture.