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.
TICKET POLICIES
You can present a hard copy of your tickets or the QR code on your phone.
Members may not purchase tickets for non-members. Those presenting member tickets will have membership verified at the door.
All ticket sales are final. Please be aware of what event you are buying tickets for. Refunds or ticket exchanges will not be offered. If you can't attend, you're welcome to give your tickets to someone else.
Can’t find your tickets? First check your junk or spam folder for an email from “Ticketbud Orders.” If you don't see your tickets, try to retrieve them here. After trying both of these things, please contact us if you still don’t have your tickets. Do not contact Ticketbud – we’ll be able to help you much faster.
EVENT DETAILS
Doors open at 7 PM and the performance starts at 8 PM.
Seating is first come, first served, regardless of your section. Please arrive early if you would like to secure particular seats in your section.
Beer, wine and canned cocktails will be available for purchase at the theatre before and during the show.
Free parking is available along North State Street, in the municipal lot between Washington and Centre Avenue, and in the municipal lot next to Newtown Borough Hall (23 North State Street).
We have a wheelchair lift on our front porch and an accessible restroom on the first floor. There are no steps to climb to access the first floor of the auditorium. There are steps to the balcony.