Juneteenth is a historic day that marked the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers delivered the news to Galveston, Texas that the Civil War was over and enslaved African-Americans were free. Texas was the last state to be informed that slavery had been abolished, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
On Sunday, June 19, Mystic Seaport Museum and Discovering Amistad are collaborating for the third year to bring a Juneteenth recognition event to the grounds of the Museum. A special program – including a panel discussion, a “Harambee” reflection, live music, and tours of the 128-foot flagship of Connecticut, the Amistad – is designed to honor African-American culture, to increase awareness, and highlight the roles that we all can play to dismantle racism.
The program begins at 3:00 and is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Eastern CT and Chelsea Groton Bank. Admission to Mystic Seaport Museum is free after 2:30 on June 19.