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MC Library's Guide to Juneteenth

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June 19th is Juneteenth! 
 

MC Library is proud to celebrate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history that marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Here you will find information about the significance of Juneteenth, along with several book and video recommendations. You will also find helpful research databases and resources from MC, local, and national sources, all dedicated to Juneteenth. 

 

Quick Facts about Juneteenth

  1. Why is it called Juneteenth?
    Juneteenth combines the words "June" and "nineteenth". The official name for Juneteenth is 'Juneteenth National Independence Day". 
     
  2. Why is Juneteenth important and when is it celebrated?
    It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th. 
     
  3. Is it a federal holiday?
    Yes, Juneteenth is considered a federal holiday in the United States. Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth as a holiday on June 16th, 2021 and was signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17th, 2021. 
     
  4. What other names does Juneteenth go by?
    Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, Black Independence Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, and Jubilee Day. 

What is Juneteenth?

A piece from the collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

A piece from the collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

 

According to Mary Elliot, Curator of American slavery at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), "Juneteenth is a significant date in American history and the African American experience." On June 19th, 1865, General Gordon Granger led the Union Army into Galveston, Texas, where he publicly announced that all enslaved African Americans were now free. 

Although the Emancipation Proclamation had legally liberated African Americans in rebellious states, including Texas, on January 1st, 1863, and the Civil War had concluded in April 1865, the enforcement of the Proclamation in the rebelling western states, not nationwide, didn't happen until June 19th, 1865, bringing freedom to enslaved individuals.

Videos About Juneteenth

Events

Maryland Emancipation Day at Josiah Henson Museum and Park

Maryland Emancipation Day commemorates the ratification of the Maryland Constitution of 1864, which officially abolished slavery within the state and emancipated all those still held in bondage. Join us on Saturday, November 2nd!

Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

Time: 10am - 4pm

Location: 
Josiah Henson Museum and Park
11410 Old Georgetown Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852

Registration: 
Adults: $5
Seniors & Youth: $4
Children under 6: Free 


Maryland Emancipation Day at Oakley Cabin

Join us on Saturday, November 2nd for free guided tours of Oakley Cabin.

Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

Time: 11am - 4pm

Location: 
Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park
3610 Brookeville Road
Olney, MD 20832

Registration: Free


Maryland Emancipation Day at Harper Cabin

Join us on Saturday, November 2nd for free guided tours of Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center

Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Location: 
Brookside Nature Center
1400 Glenallan Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Registration: Free

Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour - Frederick Douglass 

" The moving image installation interweaves period reenactments across five screens to create a vivid picture of 19th-century activist, writer, orator and philosopher Frederick Douglass (1818–1895)."

Date: December 8th, 2023 - November 26th, 2026 

Time: 11:30am - 7pm 

Location: National Portrait Gallery | 8th St. and G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

Registration: Free 

More Events and Special Topics Guides

Want to learn more? View our other events and special topics guides:

MC Library Events and Special Topics Guides