Inside the Opera House at Disneyland, “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” tells the story of our 16th President, and is a timeless classic championed by Walt Disney himself. This year in honor of Black History Month, that story will be expanded to honor American hero and abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his relationship with Abraham Lincoln in a new pre-show and interpretive display.

A plaque at the entryway to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln describes Walt Disney’s admiration for the spoken word of the 16th president of the United States. It reads, “Even as a child, Walt Disney admired President Abraham Lincoln, often dressing up in a homemade stovepipe hat and his father’s frock coat to deliver the Gettysburg Address to schoolmates. From admiration grew inspiration. In the early 1960s Walt gathered together his greatest artists and sculptors, and through their magic and the magic of Audio-Animatronics, Abraham Lincoln appeared here in Disneyland’s Opera House in 1965 to inspire a new generation. Today he speaks to yet another generation, and his message of unity still rings true.”

Now, Abraham Lincoln’s friendship with abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass will be the main focus of the attraction’s new pre-show, debuting February 1, the first day of Black History Month, and continue indefinitely.

Nearby in the Opera House, displays pay tribute to prominent figures in American history. Among these historic figures is a new installation honoring Frederick Douglass, a great leader in our nation’s fight against slavery. It took leaders like Douglass to help guide Lincoln in his fight to end slavery. A bust and letter declaring Douglass a free man are part of the new collection.

A new portrait of Frederick Douglass has also been added near the exit. The painting features the distinguished abolitionist posed before an American flag in the background.

A sign announcing the debut of the upcoming preshow stands within the Disneyland Opera House. The sign reads: “The all-new video bringing to life the story of the historic relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln will premiere February 1st for Black History Month and beyond.”

Are you excited for the new video honoring Frederick Douglass to premiere? Let us know if you’ll be stopping by to hear more about the relationship between these American heroes or perusing the interpretive display at Disneyland’s Opera House this Black History Month or beyond.

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