ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The first replicas of the Frederick Douglass monument were unveiled Thursday in front of the Hochstein School of Music as part of the abolitionist’s 200 year birthday celebration. Frederick Douglass lived in Rochester for 40 years.

“When you realize how important it is you can become very emotional about it," said Project Manager, Carvin Eison. "We have worked a long time and this is a great day.”

The three monuments were copies of the original Frederick Douglass statue in Highland Park. That statue is the first monument in United States history to honor an African American. The original statue that sits in Highland Park is expected to be moved to South Avenue and Robinson Drive by the end of 2018. 

“We are on the edge of having a community again. We are coming together for things that have the value of informing the public and educating our children and it’s a magnificently executed step,” said Frederick Douglass historian, Dr. David Anderson. 

The replicas were placed throughout the city as historical markers of Douglass’ life. They include the Hochstein School of Music, the site where Frederick Douglass’ funeral was held and the Talman Building where he published his newspaper the North Star. The last statue was put in front of the Anna Murray Douglass Academy also known as School Number 12. School 12 is the site where Douglass and his family lived until their home burned down in 1872. 

 “It really shows how are neighbors, our friends, us. We can make a difference,” said sculptor, Olivia Kim. 

Project coordinators say 10 more replicas of the monument will be put up around Rochester in the months ahead.