In 2021, Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday and today serves as an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, commemorate emancipation, and celebrate together as a community. Juneteenth – short for June nineteenth – marks the anniversary of Union troops marching into Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
This June, join the Greenwich Historical Society for a day of celebrating this momentous anniversary and freedom at the 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration Festival!
Back by delicious demand, Soul Tasty from Stamford, CT, will bring mouthwatering food guaranteed to please everyone. Enjoy a tasty plate of fried chicken, mac and cheese, or red velvet cake as you relax on the lawn to listen to live music from the band Suburban Chaos.
Spend time making educational crafts, finding clues in our scavenger hunt throughout the grounds, and taking some time to play some fun lawn games by our heirloom garden. Browse local businesses in the curated Juneteenth Market held in the historic barn. Full vendor list to come.
Want to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and African American History in Greenwich? Check out the educational videos in our Archives Concourse and our second-floor Permanent Collections Gallery. Visit the Historical Society’s special exhibition, Greenwich During the Revolutionary War: A Frontier Town on the Frontlines, which closes at the end of June, to learn about how the Revolutionary War affected enslaved individuals in Greenwich. Our Library & Archives will be open for visitors to dive further into Greenwich history.
Bring your water bottles, blankets, and lawn chairs for a day of fun and learning for the whole family!
In the event of inclement weather, the Juneteenth Celebration will take place the following day on Sunday, June 22nd.
As this is a FREE public program, pre-registration is optional, but highly recommended. Family tickets are for up to two adults and two children. Please register additional adults and children separately.
Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made at the time of registration.
