Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, holds immense historical and cultural significance as a celebration of African American freedom and achievement. As communities come together to honor this important milestone in American history, the Park Authority invites members of the community to celebrate and join in a variety of activities on and around Juneteenth that commemorate the past, celebrate the present and look forward to a future of unity and progress.
Paths of Freedom Seekers (June 11, 22): At Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, listen to stories of African Americans who were forced to live and work on this farm. Reflect on individuals’ stories of resistance and survival. Learn how enslaved communities and freedom seekers have forged a path of resiliency throughout American history. The program is available on Sunday, June 11 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and on Thursday, June 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. The cost is $8.
Register for Paths of Freedom Seekers
Forgotten Road Tour (June 15 - 17): The tour at Sully Historic Site includes a walk into the original outbuildings and representative slave quarter cabin. Learn the history of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Sully more than 200 years ago. Sully is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is part of the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Tour is held weather-permitting. The programs are held from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Free.
Register for Forgotten Road Tour
Juneteenth Celebration (June 17): Celebrate African American stories, food traditions, music, and contributions to American spiritual life at Frying Pan Farm Park. Activities will include a special guest storyteller, live music, crafts, history, and food trucks offering African American cuisine. You can register for a slot in this free event that takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register for Juneteenth at Frying Pan Park
Sully Car Show (June 18): The annual car show at Sully Historic Site blends the future with the past. While enjoying more than 200 antique cars on display and learning about African American inventors and patent holders in the automotive industry, families can also enjoy tours of the first floor of the historic house and learn about the lives of the enslaved people who worked on the farm more than a century ago. The car show is from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; and $8 for children.
Underground Railroad Quilt Codes (June 18): According to legend, fabric quilts were stitched with coded patterns to assist escaped enslaved people moving along the historic Underground Railroad to find safety. While historians debate this legend, local quilter, Sharon Tindall supports this theory of quilt codes through her specialization in African American quilt patterns. View her handmade quilts, created with fabrics and patterns typically used in the mid-1800s and learn more about these storied quilts and what they mean to our American history. The program at Green Spring Gardens is from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $15.
To learn more about the Park Authority’s Juneteenth celebrations or to register for programs, please visit the Juneteenth webpage.