Juneteenth 2023 at Atlanta History Center

Honor the past. Celebrate the future.

On June 19, 1865, a group of Union troops stopped in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people that the Civil War was over, the Confederacy was defeated, and enslaved people in Texas were free. Although President Abraham Lincoln freed enslaved people held in the Confederate States through the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, many slaveholders in Texas refused to comply. Since 1865, Southern citizens have observed Juneteenth in commemoration of that fateful day in Galveston.

Today, Juneteenth serves as a holiday to reflect on our nation’s history, commemorate emancipation, and look towards the future impact of Black culture and community. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth 2023 (and Father’s Day) by honoring the history of Black genealogy and agricultural practices. This year’s event promises to be a truly immersive experience featuring live music, powerful storytelling, interactive crafts, and delicious food.

Our workshops and talks will provide valuable insights into the history of Juneteenth and offer tips on how to research your family tree and preserve family artifacts.

This program is part of Atlanta History Center’s celebration of the Civic Season, a nationwide initiative encouraging historically-informed civic participation through a two-week activation between Juneteenth and July 4th.