Downtown in Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
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.
Erected 2024 by City of Frederick; African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society; Preservation
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 39° 24.72′ N, 77° 24.875′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is in Downtown. It is on West All Saints Street east of South Bentz Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 162 W All Saints St, Frederick MD 21701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 173 West All Saints Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Mountain City Lodge No. 382 (within shouting distance of this marker); First Black High School in Frederick County (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Level of the 1976 Flood (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mullinix Park (about 400 feet away); Braddock, Washington, and Franklin (about 500 feet away); Saints Street (about 600 feet away); Library Campaign Song (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Home of Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 6, 2025
2. 160 West All Saints Street (The Emancipation Building)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
