Frederick Douglass Legacy Exhibit

Frederick Douglass chose Rochester, New York as his home base for activism, publishing, and family life. Today, the airport that bears his name welcomes travelers with an exhibit that invites reflection on Douglass’s legacy while inspiring them to keep it alive. 


Working in conjunction with the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, we created an experience that speaks to his lifelong commitment to justice. We worked closely with Douglass’s direct descendants to shape a story grounded in his own words–and images. Known for his strategic use of photography, Douglass was perhaps the world’s first influencer. He used daguerreotypes, a modern technology at the time, to carefully stage portraits that challenged dominant ideas about Black identity and defied racist caricatures. Blue Telescope continues that legacy by using today’s tools to return his image and message to the public.


Touch-sensitive LEDs display digital reproductions of historic daguerreotypes of Douglass and the city of Rochester while he lived there. We used AI to subtly and respectfully enhance the images, bringing them to life to assert his presence and reaffirm his relevance in today’s world. The slight motion also draws attention to the exhibit amid the bustle of a busy airport. 


In the spirit of Douglass’s legacy, this work blends technological innovation with human presence to create a resonant experience that affirms the relevance and spirit of this important history lives on.