The Emancipation Building

The Emancipation Building. Sites of Enslavement. , The Emancipation Association formed for the purpose of fostering educational, literary, and charitable pursuits and vocations. Over the years, the organization had various named including the Lincoln Emancipation Association, the Afro-American Club, the Patriotic Emancipation Association, and others. Between 1865 and 1951, the Association hosted one of the only celebrations commemorating African American emancipation from enslavement in the state. The annual event attracted thousands of attendees from all over the region and boasted a parade, picnic, sports, speeches, dances, and other activities. In 1933, the Emancipation Association took possession of 160 West All Saints Street, which served as the organization's headquarters for over fifteen years. Today, the site represents the cultural pride and self-determination in the face of adversity embodied by efforts of the Emancipation Association., [Caption:] , Reverend Benjamin Tucker Tanner (1835-1923) served as pastor of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church and supervisor of the Freedman's Bureau schools in Frederick County. Rev. Tanner spoke at the first three Frederick Emancipation celebrations from 1865-1867.