Several of our partner parks are planning events to honor Juneteenth, one of the oldest known commemorations related to the abolition of slavery in the United States.  The holiday marks the day that enslaved people in Texas learned they had been freed.   News of the Emancipation Proclamation had taken two-and-a-half years to reach Texas, arriving June 19, 1865.

Staff at Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park have found a unique way to honor the enslaved residents of the park’s historic houses during the annual Juneteenth commemoration.  They place flowers on the porches of the Jean Baptiste Vallé House, Bauvais-Amoureux House, and Green Tree Tavern.  Each flower memorializes an individual who was enslaved at that home.

This project is an outgrowth of the park’s ongoing effort to learn more about the early Black residents of Ste. Genevieve.  So far, staff and volunteers have confirmed the names of 46 individuals who were enslaved at the three NPS-managed houses.  They hope to uncover the larger narratives of these residents and learn about their connections among the free and enslaved people of color in the historic community. The park plans to share the details of these findings through public events like Juneteenth.

Another Juneteenth-related program will take place at the park on Saturday June 22.  Lynne Jackson, a descendant of Dred and Harriet Scott, will share the story of her famous ancestors’ long-awaited emancipation in 1857.  She will also discuss the Freedom Suit Memorial in St. Louis, a bronze sculpture erected in 2022 commemorating the many lawsuits that enslaved people filed against slaveholders in an effort to gain their freedom. 

The lecture begins at 1:30 at the park’s Welcome Center.  The event is free, but reservations are recommended; reserve your spot by calling 573-880-7189.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday June 15 with a unique program– Rhythms, Rhymes and Cultural Times.  This one-woman show by performer Peggy Harris is a collection of narratives depicting the lives of various strong Black women, including an African Royal’s recounting of the slave trade, Harriett Tubman’s journey to freedom, Harriet Scott’s support of her husband Dred, and Luisah Teish’s call to join women of color together to embrace their culture and spirituality.

The free program takes place at the park at 1:00 p.m. For reservations call 314-842-1867 ext. 230.