In July 1843, Frederick Douglass delivered a fiery abolitionist speech here. Born in slavery in Maryland, Douglass freed himself by escaping to the north, where he became a tireless crusader for African American freedom and equality. He was among the greatest orators and black leaders of the 19th century. The Ferrisburgh meeting, organized by local activist Rowland T. Robinson, was one of the "100 Conventions" sponsored by the American Anti-Slavery Society.