The Frederick Douglass Honor Society has signed an agreement with a sculptor to build a statue honoring Douglass on the Talbot County Courthouse lawn. The agreement with Silver Spring sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter stipulates that the statue of the African-American orator and activist be completed by June 2011. The organization originally sought to have the statue completed during Easton's 300th Anniversary celebrations in November, but society President Eric Lowery says this allows Carpenter time to give the society the best product he can. The Talbot County Council must still sign off on the project. The group had scheduled two fundraisers, "An Evening with Frederick Douglass" last night at the Avalon Theatre, which includes a Douglass re-enactment, music and a silent auction, and the Frederick Douglass/YMCA 10 Mile Walk/Run on May 1.

- Associated Press