Museum of African American History and Culture Hosts Juneteenth Celebration
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is inviting visitors to commemorate Juneteenth, the national holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The celebration will include new exhibitions, public programs, culinary offerings, and digital resources that emphasize reflection, creativity, and community.
Central to this year’s observance is the Juneteenth Community Day on Friday, June 19. This event will honor Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” as she celebrates her 100th birthday later this year. The museum’s acting director, Shanita Brackett, highlighted the importance of Juneteenth as a reminder of both historical milestones and ongoing responsibilities.
The Juneteenth Community Day will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including storytelling, art making, musical performances, cookout workshops, and line dancing. Other highlights of the event include the NMAAHC Kids Juneteenth Story Time, Juneteenth Cookout Playbook, Juneteenth Art Making, Juneteenth Soundstage, and a special Juneteenth activation at the museum’s store.
In addition to the Community Day, the museum will debut two new fine arts exhibitions, “Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction” and “Reset: Abstraction Embodied in Design,” exploring African American artistic expression through various mediums. The museum will also offer additional on-site and virtual programs throughout Juneteenth week and the summer.
The museum’s Sweet Home Café will feature a special Juneteenth-themed menu inspired by African American culinary traditions. Digital resources, including a Juneteenth website and toolkit, will provide historical context and educational materials for meaningful Juneteenth observances nationwide.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to exploring and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. Since opening in 2016, the museum has welcomed millions of visitors in person and online.
For more information about the museum and Juneteenth events, visit nmaahc.si.edu or follow @NMAAHC on social media platforms.
