Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this season, The Frederick Speaker Series has developed a reputation for bringing world-class speakers to the Frederick area. The goal is to engage our community through enlightening discourse and meaningful topics.  As a result of the Series, Frederick’s reputation as an intellectual hub continues to grow, drawing audiences from D.C., Baltimore, and beyond.

From inspirational topics to sensational perspectives, you’ll find it all in the 2022-2023 Frederick Speaker Series!

All Events will be ASL Interpreted.

Each Speaker also has a MEET & GREET opportunity associated with the performance except Terry Crews, purchased in addition to the ticket to the Event itself.  For an additional $75, you can engage with these incredible Speakers for a photo opportunity, a signing opportunity (whenever possible), and light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The proceeds of this Meet & Greet benefit children’s programming at Frederick County Public Libraries.

2022-2023 SPEAKERS

RICK STEVES

Thursday, September 8, 2022 | 7:30 PM

Sponsored by:

The poplar travel writer, author, activist, television personality, and founder of the long running tv-show and travel business, Rick Steve’s Europe, brings more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. His mission is to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Join Rick as he presents a thought-provoking conversation about his travels and advocacy.

JON MEACHAM

Sunday, November 20, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Sponsored by:

Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham is one of America’s most prominent public intellectuals. A contributor to TIME and the New York Times Book Review, Meacham is a highly sought-after commentator, regularly appearing on MSNBC, CNN, and other news outlets. A skilled orator with a depth of knowledge about politics, religion, and current affairs, Meacham has the unique ability to bring history to life and offer historical context to current events and issues impacting our daily lives – whether we realize it or not – to audiences of all backgrounds and levels of understanding.

TERRY CREWS

January 20, 2023 | 7:30 PM

There are motivational speakers, and then there are “motivational do-ers.” Terry Crews is the latter. This bonafide powerhouse—actor, activist, best-selling author, former athlete, and beyond—has inspired countless individuals to “do something about it.” “It” can mean many different things to many different people: a difficult career choice, a seemingly unattainable goal, an addiction, an abusive relationship, or just life in general. Crews speaks from his experience—something he encourages everyone to do—but in the process, he is able to relate to universal stories of struggle.

DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN

Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 7:30 PM

Sponsored by:

Diagnosed with autism as a child, Dr. Temple Grandin did not speak until she was nearly four years old. Her formative years gave way to studies in animal science and a career in the livestock industry. Today, half of the cattle in the United States are handled in facilities she designed. From multiple bestselling books to a doctorate degree, this animal welfare expert takes the stage to share her story of perseverance and the power of different minds working together to solve problems.

EMMANUEL ACHO

Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 7:30 PM

Emmanuel Acho is a Fox Sports Analyst, Co-Host of FS1 Speak for Yourself and Host/Producer of the Emmy Award-Winning Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, a web series focused on driving an open, difficult, but ultimately productive conversation on race in America. Acho recently received an Emmy Award as Outstanding Sports Personality/Emerging On Air Talent. In partnership with Oprah Winfrey, Acho released the Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man book in 2020. It was the third title published as “An Oprah Book” and debuted at #3 on the New York Times best sellers list.

VERNICE “FLYGIRL” ARMOUR

Thursday, April 20, 2023 | 7:30 PM

Combat tests you. Being a beat cop tests you. Life tests you. Three brothers and being the only girl…tests you. Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour has been tested her whole life. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of “firsts” including America’s first Black female combat pilot. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. After her military service, FlyGirl revved up her career in the private sector as an entrepreneur, consultant to business, and author of Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals.

These distinguished guests will join the likes of past speakers that include Neil Gaiman, George Takei, Bill Nye, Bob Woodward, Dr. Michio Kaku, Cal Ripken Jr., General Colin Powell, Tom Brokaw, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Laverne Cox, LeVar Burton, Bryan Stevenson, Dr. Bennett Omalu, Ronan Farrow, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Henry Winkler, Ted Koppel, Marlee Matlin, Elizabeth Smart, Dave Barry, and Mitch Albom.