The Museum on Main's monthly Ed Kinney Speaker Series is welcoming an in-character historical performance depicting American icon Frederick Douglass in February.

Chautauqua scholar Jim Armstead will bring Douglass to the stage -- and the screen -- by portraying the 19th century orator who rose from being an escaped slave to a leader in the abolitionist movement and an adviser to six U.S. presidents.

"We are excited that Jim Armstead will be returning to Pleasanton to perform as Frederick Douglass. I'm interested in hearing about Douglass' experience working as an advisor to so many different presidents," said Rachel Brickell, the museum's director of education and the coordinator for the speaker series.

"An Afternoon or Evening with Frederick Douglass" shows will be held in-person at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Firehouse Arts Center, followed by a virtual webinar via the BigMarker platform on Feb. 14.

The series features scholar-actors in the Chautauquan performance style, where they are in character as the historical figure from the moment they step onto the stage for the scripted portion as well as the ensuing Q&A session. They then step out of character toward the end to answer more questions about the subject.

For tickets and more information, visit www.museumonmain.org or call 925-462-2766.