virtual museum tours for juneteenth

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Commemorate juneteenth with free virtual programs from the smithsonian.

On June 19, NMAAHC will honor the end of slavery in the U.S. with events featuring Annette Gordon-Reed, Adrian Miller and more

Meilan Solly

Associate Editor, History

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and freed the roughly 250,000 enslaved people living in the Southern state. Taking place a full two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the day—known as Juneteenth —marked the end of slavery in the Confederate states .

This Saturday, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will commemorate the nation’s “ second independence day ” with a slate of online programming. The events are part of a tradition of festivals commemorating emancipation, African American contributions to American life, and freedom itself. The museum’s virtual programming and new educational resources can be found on its Juneteenth webpage .

Limited-Edition Juneteenth Collection Available Now

Celebrated by African Americans for generations through food and fellowship, Juneteenth embodies Black resilience, independence, and community. It is a day African Americans set aside to commemorate the end of slavery and the promise of freedom—expressed through music, food, and ceremony.

“We have celebrated Juneteenth in my family for years,” says NMAAHC’s director, Kevin Young . “But last year—in the midst of the murder of George Floyd and delayed justice for Breonna Taylor , Ahmaud Arbery and too many others whose names have become sadly familiar—this commemoration of liberty and justice took on more urgency.”

The museum’s virtual Juneteenth commemoration will include activities exploring the meaning of freedom and engaging with African American cultural traditions. Featured Juneteenth public programs include a discussion with food writer Adrian Miller on his book Black Smoke , a genealogy presentation by an expert from the museum’s Robert Frederick Smith Explore Your Family History Center , a selection of stories told by Jan Blake that reflect the wisdom and strength of America’s post-slavery communities, a panel discussion on the origins and significance of Juneteenth, and a musical performance and conversation with singer Amythyst Kiah . (Registration for these online programs is free and open to the public. Sign up here .)

“The goal of the museum’s programming this year is to help our visitors reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and its traditions of music, food and freedom,” says Young. “We’re offering new ways for the public to join us in celebrating the holiday and the richness of African American culture, a culture born out of imagination, hard-won joy and resilience.”

In addition to hosting virtual events, NMAAHC has compiled a range of online resources related to Juneteenth, from information on the holiday’s origins to oral histories to educational activities. Offerings include a video on intersectionality in freedom celebrations throughout the Black diaspora; a blog post series on the history, importance and observance of Juneteenth; and a video cooking demonstration using recipes from the museum’s Sweet Home Café Cookbook . Learn more on the museum’s Juneteenth portal , and explore the full list of events and resources below.

Juneteenth Virtual Programming Schedule

Black smoke: african americans and the united states of barbecue (10 a.m. to 11 a.m. est).

Adrian Miller, food writer, James Beard Award winner, attorney and certified barbecue judge, joins Young, a member of the Southern Foodways Alliance , in a conversation about his book Black Smoke . The two will discuss the perseverance, innovation and entrepreneurship of African American people whose faces and stories have been marginalized in the history of American cuisine.

Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue

Miller chronicles how Black barbecuers, pitmasters, and restauranteurs helped develop this cornerstone of American foodways and how they are coming into their own today.

Genealogy & Records of Intrigue (12 p.m. to 1 p.m. EST)

Staff at the Robert Frederick Smith center will use reverse genealogy to explore the family history of an enslaved spinner and weaver from the time of the American Revolution to the turn of the century. This event will follow the historical footpath of a woman who lost children during slavery and the Civil War but survived to secure an account with the Freedman’s Bank. It will demonstrate how one critical record links to a host of documents, thereby leading to an intriguing emancipation story.

Porch Stories: Tales of Slavery and Beyond (3 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST)

Daniel Black, novelist and professor of African American studies at Clark Atlanta University, will interview internationally recognized storyteller Jan Blake about how she weaves the African American experience into a body of work primarily focused on the Black diaspora. Blake will share two stories—an Ethiopian tale titled “Fire on the Mountain” and her interpretation of a short story by Charles Chesnutt titled “Mary and Moses.” These tales, which speak to a multigenerational audience, share insights into the wisdom and strength of America’s post-slavery communities.

Juneteenth: Connecting the Historic to the Now (5 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST)

Young will moderate a panel discussion exploring the origins of Juneteenth and the historical and current political significance of the holiday. Panelists include Annette Gordon-Reed , a historian at Harvard University and author of On Juneteenth ; Jelani Cobb , a New Yorker staff writer and faculty member at the Columbia Journalism School ; and Imani Perry , an African American Studies expert at Princeton University.

Community Soundstage: A Conversation With Amythyst Kiah (7 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST)

Singer and songwriter Amythyst Kiah, whose latest album fuses rock and her old-time country roots, will perform three acoustic numbers, including her breakout hit “ Black Myself .” In an interview with Dwandalyn Reece , NMAAHC’s associate director of curatorial affairs, Kiah will also discuss her highly anticipated album, Wary + Strange , and her belief that music helps listeners recognize the intersection of historic and contemporary social justice challenges.

New Juneteenth Digital Resources

Freedom celebrations across the black diaspora with curator angela tate.

In this video, Angela Tate , curator of women’s history at NMAAHC, speaks about the importance of Juneteenth celebrations among various African diasporic communities. Tate discusses how Juneteenth celebrates freedom within the Black community and its differences across the Black diaspora, how the holiday has changed over the past decades, and its recent reemergence during modern movements such as Black Lives Matter and other post-civil rights efforts.

Celebration Through Cooking: Sweet Home Café’s Juneteenth Menu

In this video, Andre Thompson, a web content specialist at NMAAHC, is joined by his family for an at-home cooking demonstration. Thompson will show viewers how to make the perfect brisket with a twist, step by step. This dish, which can be included in any Juneteenth celebration menu, is based on a recipe from the museum’s Sweet Home Café Cookbook: A Celebration of African American Cooking .

Sweet Home Café Cookbook: A Celebration of African American Cooking

A celebration of African American cooking with 109 recipes from the National Museum of African American History and Culture's Sweet Home Café.

HBCUs and the Newly Freed: Education After the Emancipation

While Juneteenth is often associated with celebrations of physical emancipations from slavery, it also signaled another type of liberation. Despite being barred from traditional institutions due to segregation laws, the newly freed pursued higher education through the more than 90 schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) founded between 1861 and 1900.

Juneteenth Blog Series: A Curatorial Discussion

In this three-part blog series , museum experts share the cultural, modern and historical perspectives of Juneteenth from its first observance in 1865 to the present day. Tate; Mary Elliott , curator of American slavery; and Kelly Navies , oral historian, will answer questions about the origins and importance of Juneteenth.

Other Smithsonian offerings related to Juneteenth include a Smithsonian Channel series of video essays featuring writers, artists and activists reflecting on the holiday and Civic Season , a three-week initiative led by institutions including the National Museum of American History . Spanning June 14 to July 4, Civic Season asks Americans to meditate on the nation ’s complex past and outline their visions for a more equitable future.

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Meilan Solly | | READ MORE

Meilan Solly is Smithsonian magazine's associate digital editor, history.

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National museum of african american history and culture hosts first interactive virtual tour.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) celebrated the Juneteenth holiday with its first interactive virtual tour led by the museum’s founding director, Lonnie G. Bunch III. The virtual tour was hosted on the museum’s Facebook page Monday, June 19, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time at www.facebook.com/nmaahc . Following the tour, visitors asked Bunch questions on Facebook Live.  

Juneteenth is the oldest-known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This inaugural interactive tour is another example of how NMAAHC is redefining the modern museum experience and making the museum’s exhibitions available to people anywhere in the world.

This marks the first time the museum has offered an interactive digital tour of the exhibition. Bunch led viewers on a virtual walking tour through the history galleries highlighting the story of the international slave trade, emancipation and the period of resistance that followed.

Virtual-tour participants saw and heard the stories behind some of the museum’s most popular objects, including Nat Turner’s bible, freedom papers of formerly enslaved people and the Sibley tent that housed African American soldiers that fought for the Union. The goal of this tour was to highlight this culturally important holiday that commemorates the end of slavery.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened Sept. 24, 2016, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument, the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu , follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat—or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.

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Juneteenth Virtual Museum Tour: Journey to Freedom

June 17, 2021 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Begin the Juneteenth holiday  on a freedom journey with Harriet Tubman, the greatest freedom seeker of all times. Online visitors will travel virtually to scenic historical sites on the Eastern Shore  traveled by Tubman and others with a virtual tour  and talk  with  Alex Green, Owner and Tour Guide of Harriet Tubman Tours.

In partnership with the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center.

To Register Click Here.

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Our newest exhibition titled, ‘The Impending Crisis’, delves into the events, individuals, and topics that led to the division of the United States on the verge of civil war. Plan your visit to ACWM-Tredegar.

Juneteenth 2021

Celebrate this holiday by exploring the history of emancipation events, and the importance of remembering the end of slavery.

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Emancipation and Juneteenth Collection Highlights

Juneteenth and the Evolution of Commemoration

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Elegba Folklore Society

The Elegba Folklore Society offers the best in African Diasporic cultural experiences, promoting an understanding of the present by valuing the past. Check out their Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration , Virginia’s flagship Juneteenth holiday commemoration.

Made By US: The Civics Season

Between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, explore activities and program that are expanding the lens, making space for more stories from the past, more voices from the present, and more input on what an annual tradition for civic participation could look like.

A Conversation with Annette Gordon-Reed : The Gilder Lehrman Institute brings together Professor Annette Gordon-Reed and Dr. Ed Ayers to discuss her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, On Juneteenth .

This is Why Juneteenth is Important for America : This video from The Root chronicles the history of Juneteenth and argues that the holiday isn’t just about commemorating the end of slavery, but the continued determination and resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression. 

On Juneteenth : The new book by historian Annette Gordon-Reed — part history, part memoir — about the history, relevance, and evolution of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience : The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture compiled resources about the history of Juneteenth, its significance, and its celebration. Includes links to tools for genealogical research, recipes, African American folktales, family activities, and recording of a guided tour by former museum director Lonnie Bunch.  

What is Juneteenth? : Henry Louis Gates, Jr. details the events of June 19, 1865, other early observances of freedom celebrations, and evolutions of those celebrations in a blog post on PBS. Also, check this summary, “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom” from the Library of Virginia’s Uncommonwealth project. 

Today, Explained: Happy Juneteenth! : UCLA’s Brenda Stevenson explains the history and relevance of the Juneteenth holiday in this 2018 podcast episode from Vox. 

“Henceforth Free: The Emancipation Proclamation” and “1865: United States of Uncertainty” : Two 2015 episodes from the podcast/radio series BackStory explore more of the history of emancipation and the end of the Civil War. 

• June 15: 10 museums from around the country collaborate on #blkfreedom , a virtual series of programs celebrating Juneteenth. Their website also includes recordings of the 2020 program, historical documents, and additional resources. 
• June 18: The Levine Museum of the New South’s 2021 Juneteenth Virtual Family Day Celebration presents three original African American stage readings of perseverance and love, including dance performances, history, and more. 
• June 19 : At the Cortland Festival Park in Appomattox, Appomattox for Equality will be hosting its second-annual Juneteenth: United in Hope . You can enjoy food trucks, live music, speakers, and other family activities from 11 AM–3PM.
• June 19 : Prince George’s County Parks & Recreation Juneteenth 2021 Celebration is a hybrid virtual/in-person series of performances, panel discussions, and art for the whole family. 
• Throughout June: Juneteenth at the Atlanta History Center includes month-long virtual programming celebrating the traditions and achievements of African American culture. 
• Throughout June : James Madion’s Montpelier and the Orange County African American Historical Society are collaborating on a month-long virtual celebration to “honor our ancestors and celebrate African American history, food, music, faith, family, and freedom!”
• Various dates: Essence spotlights 31 Juneteenth events from around the country.

Book Talk with Jim Downs – “Maladies of Empire: How Colonialism, Slavery, and War Transformed Medicine”

Upcoming events, tredegar history tour, “the grand old man of the army: general winfield scott’s unionism and the secession crisis” with dr. barton a. myers.

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The first amendment, juneteenth (observed) with virtual programs.

Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and nearly five months after the 13th Amendment was proposed (it would not be ratified until December 6, 1865), enslaved people in Texas learned that they were free.

The Center will mark the official observance of Juneteenth on Monday, June 20 with a series of virtual programs. 

The Four Harriets Show   Monday, June 20, 10 a.m. ET  REGISTER HERE   Participants can explore the lives of four American women—Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Jacobs, and Harriet Beecher Stowe—who confronted slavery through literature, lawsuits, and direct action in their efforts to free themselves and others from bondage.

Virtual Civil War and Reconstruction Exhibit Tour   Monday, June 20, 12 p.m. ET  REGISTER HERE  Commemorate Juneteenth with a FREE virtual tour of our exhibit Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality. Participants will explore the exhibit with a live museum educator and discover how constitutional clashes over slavery set the stage for the Civil War, and how the nation transformed the Constitution during the Reconstruction period by taking a particularly close look at the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.  

The Road to Freedom Show   Monday, June 20, 2 p.m. ET  REGISTER HERE   This program explores the story of slavery in the United States through a constitutional lens, taking visitors on a journey from the time of the Constitutional Convention to the start of the Civil War. It will spotlight historic figures—like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ona Judge, Angelina Grimke, Harriet Tubman, William Still, and Abraham Lincoln—and key events—such as the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott case, and the secession of the South.

Juneteenth: Tracing the Origins and Sig nificance Monday, June 20, 7 p.m. ET  REGISTER HERE   As part of the National Constitution Center's two-day celebration commemorating Juneteenth, join a conversation with William B. Allen of Michigan State University, Hasan Kwame Jeffries of The Ohio State University, and others exploring the history and meaning of the holiday, its connection to July 4 and the Declaration of Independence, and more. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

Virtual tours are also available to book anytime! Participants can join from the classroom or from home through a secure Zoom link, accessible from a home computer, laptop, or phone. The Center will provide all of the necessary resources.  Click here to learn more or to book your experience.  

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Virtual Field Trip: Juneteenth

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Elizabeth Catlett, Cabeza Cantando (Singing Head), 1968. Bronze. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Museum purchase with the Victor and Peggy Barton Creighton Charitable Trust. © Catlett Mora Family Trust/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Join McNay Art Museum educators for a participatory art break in collaboration with San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum . Juneteenth is an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom. Today, the holiday is a celebration of Black history and culture, as well as a day of reflection.

How does it work? Registration is required and closes two hours before the program start time. After registering, you’ll receive the Zoom link via email before 10 a.m. on the day of the program. Email  [email protected]  or call 210-805-1768 if you need help joining.

Works we’ll discuss: Elizabeth Catlett, Cabeza Cantando ( Singing Head ), 1968 Whitfield Lovell, Cake Walk , 2008

Want more sessions?  Registration link for all sessions . P.S. Teachers earn one hour of continuing professional education credit for participating in each Virtual Field Trip. Register as an educator to receive access to the Google Classroom companion for additional CPE hours.

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Spotlight Celebration: Middle and High School Recognition

Middle and High School Students from across the San Antonio area showcase their creative responses to Ian Dawson's sculptures Henri and Henrietta.

Educator Talk and Tour of Spotlight Exhibition

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Make connections and engage with the exhibition de la Torre Brothers: Upward Mobility during a slow look and discussion led by a…

Spotlight Celebration: Elementary School Recognition

Elementary School Students from across the San Antonio area showcase their creative responses to Ian Dawson's sculptures Henri and Henrietta.

Enraizado: Cuatro Generaciones en Barro Workshop “Rooted: Four Generations in Clay”

Attendants will have the chance to paint their own tree of life, decorate the intricate elements that are a part of the…

Storytime Flow

Move and flow along through a read-aloud story time that pairs movement with children’s stories and books.

Enraizado: Cuatro Generaciones en Barro Workshop

In these workshops, attendees will learn from the artist how her generational artistry has shaped her work and get to explore the…

• Virtual Tour: Juneteenth Champions, historic portraits by Ted Ellis
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Juneteenth Champions

The year of 1865 marked a significant turning point in American History. The ending of slavery in Texas issued under General Order no. 3, steps toward absolute equality. It was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. In this, T. Ellis painstakingly and vividly captures the stories and portraits of individuals past and present who fought for freedom, justice, and equality. In this T. Ellis Fine Art Juneteenth Champions exhibit, Ted Ellis highlights and acknowledges thirty individuals from 1865, the year Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, TX reading the emancipation proclamation declaring all slaves free, to present day whose hard working efforts brought significant amount of attention to racial inequality and Juneteenth, making it a Texas state-wide paid holiday to now the 11th national federal official holiday celebrated on June 19 th . We examine the lives of civil rights activists, educators, authors, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and more. 30 individuals for each day of June. This is the T. Ellis Fine Art Juneteenth Champions art exhibition.

Juneteenth Freedom Project and more…

T. Ellis for the past 20 years has been involved in researching, and preserving the story and history of Juneteenth through art. On the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth on June 19, 2015, Ellis was selected, honored, and recognized by the City of Galveston, TX as the Official Juneteenth Art Ambassador for the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth. Ellis had the opportunity to showcase his signature Juneteenth painting “Free at Last” along with nine other paintings that comprised of his “Juneteenth Freedom Project” at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and Rayburn building in Washington, DC and was the featured painting on the cover of The Galveston Daily News.

About T. Ellis

For the past 30 years, Ted Timothy Ellis has unapologetically pictorially documented African American history and culture. The self-taught New Orleans native founded T. Ellis Fine Art Inc. in 1991 and has an extensive art career with decades of national accolades and achievements. Ellis products have sold millions of dollars fine art products nationally through direct sales, art galleries, catalog outlets, fine art dealers, and licensing. He’s also had multiple commissioned contracts with major corporations such as Pepsi, Avon, ExxonMobil, Walt Disney, JC Penney, and more. His art is in the permanent collection of the Barry Museum, Charles Wright Museum, DuSable Museum, Free People of Color Museum, and the McKenna Museum. T. Ellis has a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Southern University of New Orleans. T. Ellis is the current Acting Chair of the 400 Years of African American History Commission. www.tellisfineart.com

Houston Museum of African American Culture:

Currently, the Juneteenth Champions portraits can be seen on exhibition at the Houston Museum of African American Culture. A reception will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 5-7pm with Ted Ellis present. Admission to HMAAC is free. Please visit https://hmaac.org/ for more information.

For more information, please contact the Museum Curator at (409) 763 – 8854 ext. 125 or at [email protected].

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Why is Juneteenth such an important celebration? Join us for a look at the history and legacy behind this increasingly significant date. 

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25+ Juneteenth Ideas for Work

Juneteenth Ideas for Work

1. book a juneteenth virtual team building event.

This interactive Juneteenth: Emancipation Team Building experience, featured in Lonely Planet as one of the best ways to honor Juneteenth, is an approachable and engaging way to learn some of America’s most important history.

During your hour-long session, your team will learn all about the history of this important holiday. Take an unforgettable virtual field trip with a live guide in Hampton, VA.  Learn about Harriet Tubman and John Brown, the history of Juneteenth, why barbecue and red foods are associated with the holdiay, and so much more. Plus, see and learn about Emancipation statues across the country.

As an optional add-on, you can have Celebration Boxes shipped directly to your employees’ homes. Celebration Boxes feature incredible products from 100% Black-owned small businesses. For instance, employees will enjoy snacks and refreshments inspired by the history and traditions of Juneteenth, a commemorative candle, and a custom corporate card with your logo and information.

This virtual Juneteenth event is not a lecture, but a truly interactive experience that engages everyone!

Learn more and sign up for an impactful virtual Juneteenth team building experience.

2. Make Juneteenth a Paid Corporate Holiday

More and more companies are making Juneteenth a paid holiday for their employees. Some organizations that have made this move include Target, Nike, Adobe, Twitter, Square, the National Football League, and Harvard. Taking the day off allows your team to pause and reflect on the holiday’s meaning.

You could encourage employees to spend the day learning about social justice issues and Civil Rights. To make a deeper impact, provide employees with a copy-and-paste out of office message that shares about Juneteenth’s history and significance. This is a great way to share knowledge while showing the company’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality.

You can also “take the day on” instead of taking the day off – and complete a volunteer project, with some of the ideas below in this list!

Get inspired by what other companies are doing for Juneteenth with this USA Today article: These Companies are Giving Juneteenth Off to their Employees .

3. Host a Creative Juneteenth Brainstorming Session

For marketing and creative teams, host a brainstorming session on the topic of Juneteenth social media and marketing content. For example: what types of posts will your company share in anticipation of Juneteenth? Will you publicize your company’s efforts to recognize this holiday?

Planning your efforts ahead of time can result in additional learning and dialogue for everyone on your team. Additionally, you can find creative ways to educate and engage your social media audiences on this important topic.

For example, your Juneteenth images could be themed around Juneteenth colors (red, black, and green) or feature the Juneteenth flag. You might decide to share Juneteenth quotes or traditions. Or, try some interactive polls to test your audience’s knowledge and share facts about Juneteenth’s history.

4. Match Employees’ Donations to Social Justice Focused Nonprofits

During the month of June (or all year round), consider matching your employees’ donations to nonprofits focused on social justice and Civil Rights. To stick within a budget, you can set a dollar limit per employee for your company’s matching gifts, or a total limit.

Starting a matching gifts program is a great way to inspire employees to support others while also demonstrating your company’s values. Plus, a matching gift program can help your company attract and retain employees. Be sure to discuss with your accounting team the potential tax benefits of making donations, too.

Not sure how to start a corporate matching gift program? Download the complete guide to gift matching from charity.org. This guide walks employers through each step of the process, to make matching gift programs easy.

5. Share Meaningful Juneteenth Quotes with Your Team

A great quotation has the power to inspire, educate, and enlighten your team. This Juneteenth, shine a light on Black voices by sharing meaningful Juneteenth quotes. Try sharing one quote with your team each day during the month of June, or during the week of Juneteenth. This will create a moment of inspiration and learning in the day that team members can look forward to each day.

To encourage a dialogue, share quotes with your team via a Slack channel or other chat app. Or, add Juneteenth quotes to an internal newsletter or team update email.

Get started with Parade’s list of 50 Quotes to Better Understand Juneteenth .

6. Watch a Juneteenth Video Together

For a rich team building experience that encourages discussion, try watching a Juneteenth video with your team and discussing it on a video call.

A few of our favorite educational Juneteenth videos:

• Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee, Shares the Importance of this Historic Holiday (Southern Living, 6 minutes)
• Why All Americans Should Honor Juneteenth (Vox, 7 minutes)
• On Juneteenth (US National Archives, 1 hour)

Note: while the sentiment behind Juneteenth is ultimately uplifting, the imagery and experiences shared in some videos can be harrowing and difficult to process. Be sure to make this event optional, and allow participants to go “off camera” or leave the meeting as needed. 

7. Research & Share the History of Juneteenth

Set up a video call for employees to virtually gather together on Juneteenth for learning and camaraderie. To prepare, a week or two before the meeting, assign each person a question to research.

Juneteenth topics to explore with your team:

• How did Juneteenth begin?
• Why is Juneteenth important?
• What was General Order Number 3?
• Who is Opal Lee, and why is she called the “Grandmother of Juneteenth?”
• What are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth?
• Why is it important for us to honor this holiday?

On the video call, everyone can take turns sharing what they learned during their research session. As a result, everyone has a chance to speak and share knowledge. You can guide the session so that it flows like a conversation rather than a structured Q&A session. However, if you are going to select this option, you may wish to pre-vet the information team members are providing, to ensure everyone feels comfortable with all of the information being communicated.

Ready to learn more about the history of Juneteenth? Visit juneteenth.com for resources and information about the holiday. 

8. Learn About Juneteenth Food During a Virtual Event . 

Food connects people. We all know that. But did you know that Juneteenth has traditional foods associated with the holiday? For logistical reasons, many foods associated with Juneteenth are portable, easy to travel with, and long-lasting.

With a focus on intersectionality and the stories of leaders like Ida B. Wells and Opal Lee, the newest Juneteenth: Rise Virtual Tour from Unexpected Virtual Tours and Training shares appreciation for Black achievement in the early 1900s while acknowledging the hardships these communities faced.

Your team will take a moving visit to the “Land of Lincoln” to see how emancipation changed lives. You’ll explore Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, one of the centers of Black renaissance, and view important sites like the Light of Truth monument.

Plus, your team will engage with each other through trivia focused on the nationalization of soul food, the stories of remarkable Black women chefs, and the origins of iconic American foods. For a deeper experience, add on optional treat boxes featuring foods from 100% Black-owned small businesses!

9. Participate in a Juneteenth Volunteer Project

One impactful Juneteenth idea is to make Juneteenth a company-wide volunteer day. For remote teams in the same city, consider organizing an in-person group volunteer activity with a nonprofit in your area. For teams spread across the globe, you can provide everyone with a paid day off to volunteer in their community. Or, look for virtual volunteer opportunities that allow everyone to collaborate on a project together.

While any volunteer project will help your team feel more connected to their community, consider seeking out organizations that are BIPOC-led (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and/or organizations that empower and serve BIPOC people .

Find a Juneteenth volunteering opportunity with a nonprofit in your area at VolunteerMatch.org . Additionally, you can continue volunteering year-round with worthwhile causes!

10. Start a Virtual Juneteenth Book Club for Employees

This idea is perfect for employees who want to engage with Juneteenth learning on a deeper level. Consider organizing a virtual Juneteenth book club!

To begin, create a poll using an online survey tool like SurveyMonkey. Then, send it to your team so everyone can vote on which book they’d like to read and when they’re free to meet.

Next, order copies of the book for everyone and have them shipped directly to each person. Finally, during the month of June, you can have weekly virtual book club meetings for everyone to share their thoughts on the selected book.

When leading the meeting, it’s a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions for the group. That’s because creating an open dialogue helps build connections at work. So, it’s important to be sure that everyone in the group has a chance to share their thoughts and each person’s voice is heard.

Juneteenth Book Club discussion questions:

• What did you learn about Juneteenth, or Black history?
• What was the most memorable part of this book for you?
• Did this book make you reconsider anything in your life, or in our society? In what ways?
• What are you still curious about after reading this book?

Find a book for your team to read with Penguin RandomHouse’s Juneteenth Reading List . In this list, you’ll discover plenty of nonfiction and fiction page-turners related to the holiday.

11. Sponsor a Trip to Your Employees’ Local Museum

If your team is remote, you might not be able to visit a museum exhibit in person for Juneteenth. But, you can observe the holiday by encouraging your team to visit their local African American history museum! Offer reimbursement to each employee for a museum visit – and maybe even a lunch out!

The goal behind this idea is to help your team explore new ideas and learn about important history, in a way that feels participatory and allows them to break free from a screen. At the same time, your employees may benefit from a debrief session afterward.

Get together on a video call after your visits so that everyone can share their experience and what they learned. You can even share screens to present photos or video from your visits. Turn it into a recurring session and let everyone take a turn playing virtual museum tour guide!

Find a museum near you with this guide to African American museums in the United States and Canada .

12. Explore African American Art and Celebrate Black Creativity

In combination with the activity above – or as its own activity – explore African American art with your team! You can choose works that reflect on the topic of Juneteenth, from modern or historical artists.

Celebrate African American history and creativity together. Share your screen and present a work of art for discussion. To enrich your session, you can also watch a video or share an article on the selected artist. Learn more about their life and the work in front of you.

Moreover, you can invite each team member to take turns presenting a work of art and its meaning.

View Juneteenth artwork and photographs via the Harvard Art Museum’s article, Celebrating Juneteenth: The Power of Portraits .

13. Gift Employees Juneteenth & Black Pride Swag

Gift your employees a keepsake item that will help them demonstrate their Black pride or allyship all year long.

This idea works well in combination with other activities on this list. For instance, you could plan a Juneteenth volunteer day and encourage everyone to wear their t-shirt. Or, host a lunch and learn with a unique keepsake item to remind team members of the experience year-round.

Juneteenth-related gifts & keepsakes from Black-owned shops:

• ABCs of Black History T-Shirt
• Hot Honey Dry Rub
• Juneteenth shirt

Find more ideas with Good Housekeeping’s list of 60+ Black-Owned Businesses to Shop Now and Forever .

14. Support Black-Owned Businesses Year-Round

Treat employees while also supporting a Black-owned businesses!

For example, when birthdays and work anniversaries roll around, gift employees something special from a Black-owned shop, whether in person or online. You can also shop Black-owned for client gifts, team swag items, employee giveaways, and even everyday purchases like office supplies.

Better yet – take the opportunity to diversify your vendor list so that your team is equipped to support a wide variety of businesses year round, for any occasion!

For a creative employee gift or swag item, browse Etsy’s Black-Owned Shops . You’ll find stylish stationery, planters, and even cookies!

15. Listen to Juneteenth Inspired Music

Music played an important role in the lives of enslaved African Americans. Today, music still has profound meaning in African American culture. Moreover, many of the modern songs and musical styles we enjoy today were inspired by musical innovations and creations from the Black community.

There are many songs we can listen to that reflect on Juneteenth as well as themes of oppression, freedom, and the power of persistence in activism. Browse Juneteenth playlists and song recommendations and get listening with your team!

Read “ Songs to believe in: A Juneteenth playlist” from NPR for poignant reflections on the holiday, along with song recommendations.

To learn more about how music history is Black history, check out our most popular virtual team building program: Music Evolution .

16. Host Family-Friendly Juneteenth Virtual Events

One of the benefits of remote work is the feeling of connectedness that comes from catching a glimpse of your team’s home life. In fact, you might be used to pets and children occasionally hopping into camera frame to say hello!

While in-office teams might host a company picnic or potluck to get to know everyone’s families, consider hosting a virtual story time for your employees and their little ones. The New York Public Library offers a fantastic video catalogue of Juneteenth Story Time videos featuring books for children and young adults.

With this activity, everyone can get in on the celebrations!

Browse the New York Public Library’s Juneteenth Story Time videos .

17. Plan a Juneteenth Lunch & Learn

Invite your team to a memorable Juneteenth lunch and learn session. During the meeting, you can hear from an expert guest speaker, host a Juneteenth panel discussion, ask questions, and spark important dialogues.

Additionally, add on to your lunch and learn by including other activities in this list. For instance, order lunch for your team members from a Black-owned restaurant or start your lunch and learn with an informative video. Additionally, you could use your Juneteenth lunch and learn as a kick-off for a volunteer project.

To get started, browse Juneteenth guest speakers available for hire through the All American Entertainment Speakers Bureau.

18. Treat Your Team to Lunch from a Black-Owned Restaurant

Whether your team is around the world or around the corner, you can treat everyone to a meal from a Black-owned restaurant!

Encourage employees to try someplace new, or get a meal from their favorite Black-owned restaurant. Either way, this is a fun and delicious way to honor the holiday. Moreover, this activity pairs perfectly with other ideas on this list. For instance, treat employees to lunch as you get together virtually for a lunch and learn, book discussion, virtual museum tour, or other activity.

To get started, visit eatblackowned.com , the internet’s largest directory of Black-owned restaurants. Find a restaurant near you, share the menu with your team, and let everyone pick the lunch they’d like delivered to them!

19. Participate in Virtual Events with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC)

As one of the country’s premiere museums devoted to African American history, the NMAAHC offers a variety of in-person and virtual Juneteenth programming each year.

Programs for 2024 are anticipated and yet to be announced. That said, the lineup typically includes lectures and guest speakers, musical performances, book readings, and other fun and educational activities.

Eager to explore the museum’s virtual programs before Juneteenth – or throughout the year? Explore the NMAAHC’s Curator Chat video archives . You’ll hear from the museum’s curators as they explain important moments in African American history. You can even virtually tour an exhibit.

Delve into the NMAAHC’s Juneteenth programming here.  

20. Listen to a Juneteenth Podcast & Discuss

Listening to a podcast is a great way to learn something new while you’re cleaning, exercising, driving, or relaxing around the house. Try listening to a podcast episode about Juneteenth with your team – then discuss it together!

Offer flexibility by encouraging your team to listen to the selected podcast episode any time during the week of Juneteenth. Then, schedule a time for everyone to hop on a video call and discuss. Or, you can make this an active, ongoing Slack conversation throughout the week and allow everyone to chime in as their schedules allow.

One of our favorite Juneteenth podcast episodes? The Juneteenth Mixtape , from “Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi” (26 minutes).

21. Plan a Juneteenth Trivia Session

After learning about Juneteenth together, plan a Juneteenth trivia session to test your team’s knowledge! You can create your own list of trivia questions or find one online. Some ideas for trivia questions include:

• When is Juneteenth celebrated? June 19.
• When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?  June 17, 2021
• What is another name for Juneteenth?  Emancipation Day
• When did Abraham Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation? January 1, 1863
• When were enslaved people in Texas finally freed? June 19, 1865

This activity works well in combination with some of the other ideas in this post. For instance, host a lunch and learn or Juneteenth book club. Then, plan a trivia session to see what everyone earned from the experience.

Use a service like Kahoot to set up your team trivia game and learn with your team.

22. Watch a Live Streamed Celebration of Juneteenth

Attend the 15th Annual Juneteenth NYC Festival – Live on YouTube! This special event includes events over the course of three days, from June 14-19, 2024.

This vibrant festival draws 20,000+ in-person attendees. The celebrations include music, dance, poetry, skits, history, vendors, and family activities. Specific virtual activities are yet to be announced. Be sure to check the event website, linked below, for details leading up to 2024 celebrations.

Learn more about JuneteenthNYC here .

23. Discover How Juneteenth Became a Federal Holiday

Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. But, it took decades of activism to make it happen.

Together with your team, learn about the leaders and organizers who advocated for the importance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Learn more in this TIME article: “The Best Ways to Honor Juneteenth, According to Activists Who Helped Make It a National Holiday.”

24. Encourage Employee-Led Initiatives

Do your employees have ideas they are passionate about to honor Juneteenth? Allow them creative rein and the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.

With the guidance of a manager and/or your human resources department, allow employees to organize a virtual event, a fundraising initiative, or other project that resonates with them.

This is a great way to offer employees leadership opportunities, autonomy, and creative challenges while providing value to the team. Remember, since these activities are work related and play a valuable role in building corporate culture, time spent organizing Juneteenth activities should be paid and on the clock.

25. Carry the Significance of Juneteenth With You All Year

Like Black History Month, Juneteenth can and should spark larger, year-round conversation at your company. Juneteenth is a perfect time to review your organization’s diversity and inclusion efforts, pay and hiring practices, and leadership diversity.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, it’s important to remember that the fight for equality continues. We are inspired to see more organizations adding their voices to this movement and honoring the spirit of Juneteenth.

Strengthen your diversity and inclusion efforts with our guide: 16+ Ideas to Foster Diversity & Inclusivity for Remote Teams .

Mistakes to Avoid When Celebrating Juneteenth

Avoid putting employees on the spot.

Don’t put employees on the spot by asking them to share in company communications without talking to them first.

Historically, Juneteenth was celebrated only in Texas, so not every African American may have traditions associated with this holiday. Moreover, enslavement is an emotional topic. As a result, not everyone may feel comfortable sharing their thoughts or feelings about it.

Don’t Over-Commercialize Juneteenth

Juneteenth should not be treated as a marketing gimmick. In recent years, companies have come under fire for pushing out Juneteenth products that do not reflect the holiday’s history and heritage.

Instead, consider purchasing from Black-owned businesses who produce beautiful Juneteenth focused products, or support a cause that benefits the Black community. 

Don’t Contribute to Harmful Stereotypes

When honoring Juneteenth, be intentional in your choices. For example, watermelon is both a food that is historically served at Juneteenth celebrations and also a food that has significant negative stereotypes due to centuries of demeaning caricatures. Be thoughtful so that you do not contribute to harmful stereotypes. 

When planning your celebrations, remember that the holiday has a rich history that incorporates a range of diverse communities and cultures. So don’t assume what should be done based on generalizations. Listen to experts and do your research ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juneteenth

What is juneteenth.

Also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. In the U.S. and beyond, Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th each year. Juneteenth is one of America’s most important holidays, as well as the newest federal holiday.

Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But, the new law was not widely enforced in Texas.

Two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger and his federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom had been granted to the enslaved people, and they were now free. He also shared the news that the Civil War was over.

This led to a days’ long celebration and continues to be an annual celebration today.

When is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 each year. Because Juneteenth is a federal holiday, when June 19 falls during the weekend, the holiday may be observed on the Friday prior or the Monday after.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joseph Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, S. 475 . This was the result of years of advocacy from activists and organizers, who advocated for this important occasion to become a federal holiday.

Juneteenth was the first new federal holiday since MLK, Jr. Day was designated in 1983.

When did Juneteenth celebrations begin?

The celebration of Juneteenth as a holiday began in Galveston, Texas in the 1860s. Now, many Americans honor this day throughout the country.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and hope. Additionally, it is a day to pay honor and respect to the many people who suffered greatly under slavery. As a result, it’s a good idea to aim for a balance between fun and seriousness in your Juneteenth virtual events.

Want to learn more? Explore the holiday’s history with  the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture .

Why should corporate teams honor Juneteenth?

Honoring Juneteenth and its history can help your corporate team create a more inclusive culture, learn together, and spark dialogue.

With the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, major companies around the United States made a push to formally recognize Juneteenth as a corporate paid holiday. This effort helps acknowledge the negative impact of systemic racism and their company’s mission to create inclusive and diverse atmospheres.

A few companies that now recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday include Adobe, Allstate, Apple, Lyft, the NFL, Nike, Peloton, and Starbucks.

In addition to paid holidays, many companies offer Juneteenth work ideas for educational events. Since many people did not learn about the impact and history of Juneteenth and Juneteenth is not widely taught in schools, this post provides many options for companies to provide incredible and inclusive events during this important holiday.

How can corporate teams honor Juneteenth respectfully?

It’s important to understand that Juneteenth is a celebration – but also a time to reflect on continuing injustices.

As early as the first Juneteenth, African American speakers used Juneteenth and Emancipation Day celebrations as a day to celebrate freedom as well as raise awareness of continued racism and disparities in the country. It is critical that your company strikes the right balance between fun and seriousness for your Juneteenth events and activities.

Throughout this post, you’ll find ideas to respectfully and intentionally honor Juneteenth. When in doubt, consult your company’s human resources department, or engage an external consultant for guidance.

However you choose to honor the day, we’re wishing you and your team a meaningful Juneteenth experience in 2024!

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Observes Juneteenth With All-Day Virtual Programming

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is hosting a day of events exploring African American cultural traditions to commemorate Juneteenth, the holiday marking the day—June 19, 1865—that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and freed enslaved African Americans there some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday is part of a tradition of festivals commemorating the end of slavery, African American contributions to American life and freedom itself. The museum’s virtual programming and new educational resources can be found on its Juneteenth webpage .

“We have celebrated Juneteenth in my family for years,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of NMAAHC. “But last year—in the midst of the murder of George Floyd and delayed justice for Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and too many others whose names have become sadly familiar—this commemoration of liberty and justice took on more urgency.”

The museum’s virtual Juneteenth commemoration will include activities exploring the meaning of freedom and engaging in African American cultural traditions. Featured Juneteenth public programs include: 

• Discussion with food writer Adrian Miller on his latest book Black Smoke.
• Genealogy presentation with an expert from the museum’s Robert Frederick Smith Explore Your Family History Center.
• Selection of stories told by Jan Blake reflecting the wisdom and strength of America’s post-slavery communities.
• Panel discussion on the origins and significance of Juneteenth.  
• Musical performance and conversation with singer Amythyst Kiah. 

“The goal of the museum’s programming this year is to help our visitors reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and its traditions of music, food and freedom,” Young said. “We’re offering new ways for the public to join us in celebrating the holiday and the richness of African American culture, a culture born out of imagination, hard-won joy and resilience.”

Registration for the virtual programs is free and open to the public at https://nmaahc.si.edu/events/upcoming.

This year’s Juneteenth webpage provides information on the origins of Juneteenth, oral histories, educational activities and other resources, including:

• Video on the intersectionality in freedom celebrations, like Juneteenth, throughout the Black diaspora. 
• Blog post series on the history, importance and observance of Juneteenth. 
• Video cooking demonstration using recipes from the museum’s Sweet Home Café Cookbook. 

Learn more by visiting the Juneteenth website at https://s.si.edu/2U4KKrr . 

The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. To protect visitors’ and staff’s health, the museum has limited the number of passes available to enter.

Juneteenth Virtual Programming Schedule

Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue 10 a.m.–11 a.m. ET

• Adrian Miller, food writer, James Beard Award winner, attorney and certified barbecue judge, joins Young and member of the Southern Food Alliance, in a conversation about Miller’s book Black Smoke. The two will discuss the perseverance, innovation and entrepreneurship of African Americans whose faces and stories have been marginalized from the history of American cuisine.

Genealogy & Records of Intrigue 12 p.m.–1 p.m. ET

• The family history of an enslaved spinner and weaver will be traced from the era of the American Revolution to the turn of the century using reverse genealogy, which traces a family’s lineage beginning with their ancestors to their present-day descendants. Staff at the Robert Frederick Smith center will follow the historical footpath of a woman who lost children during slavery and the Civil War and survived to secure an account with the Freedman’s Bank. This presentation will demonstrate how one critical record links to a host of documents leading to an intriguing emancipation story.

Porch Stories: Tales of Slavery and Beyond  3 p.m.–4 p.m. ET

• Daniel Black, novelist and professor of African American studies at Clark Atlanta University, will interview internationally recognized storyteller Jan Blake about how she weaves the African American experience into the body of her work primarily focused on the Black diaspora. Blake will share two stories—an Ethiopian tale titled Fire on the Mountain followed by her interpretation of a short story by Charles Chesnutt titled Mary and Moses. These stories, which speak to a multigenerational audience, share insights into the wisdom and strength of America’s post-slavery communities. 

Juneteenth: Connecting the Historic to the Now  5 p.m.–6 p.m. ET

• Young will moderate a panel discussion exploring the origins of Juneteenth and the historical and current political significance of the holiday. Panelists include Annette Gordon-Reed, Carl M. Loeb University professor of history at Harvard University; Jelani Cobb, the Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism at Columbia University; and Imani Perry, the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University. 

Community Soundstage: A Conversation with Amythyst Kiah  7 p.m.–8 p.m. ET

• Singer and songwriter Amythyst Kiah, whose latest album fuses rock and Kiah’s old-time country roots, will perform three acoustic numbers, including her breakout hit, “Black Myself.” In an interview with Dwandalyn Reece, associate director of curatorial affairs, Kiah will discuss her highly anticipated album, Wary + Strange, and her belief that music helps listeners recognize the intersection of historic and contemporary social justice challenges.

New Juneteenth Digital Resources

Freedom Celebrations Across the Black Diaspora with Curator Angela Tate

• In this video, Angela Tate, curator of women’s history at NMAAHC, speaks about the importance of Juneteenth celebrations amongst various African diasporic communities. Tate discusses how Juneteenth celebrates freedom within the Black community and its differences across the Black diaspora, how the holiday has changed over the past decades and its recent reemergence during modern movements such as Black Lives Matter and other post-civil rights efforts. 

Celebration through Cooking: Sweet Home Café’s Juneteenth Menu 

• In this video, Andre Thompson, web content specialist at NMAAHC, is joined by his family for an at-home cooking demonstration. Thompson will guide viewers step-by-step to make the perfect brisket with a twist. This dish, which can be included in any Juneteenth celebration menu, is based on a recipe from the museum’s Sweet Home Café Cookbook: A Celebration of African American Cooking.  

HBCUs and the Newly Freed: Education After the Emancipation

• While Juneteenth is often associated with celebrations of physical emancipations from slavery, it also signaled another type of liberation. Despite being barred from traditional institutions due to segregation laws, the newly freed pursued higher education through the over 90 schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) founded between 1861 and 1900.

Juneteenth Blog Series: A Curatorial Discussion

• In this three-part blog series, museum experts share the cultural, modern and historical perspectives of Juneteenth from its first observance in 1865 to the present day. Tate; Mary Elliott, curator of American slavery; and Kelly Navies, oral historian, will answer questions about the origins and importance of Juneteenth. 

The museum’s Juneteenth programs are supported by Ford.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture Since opening on Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed more than seven million visitors. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000 square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.

Media Contacts

Cierra Jefferson (202) 633-7812 [email protected] Jason Spear (202)445-7456; [email protected]

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I. Repin's House Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• (6.68 mi) Restaurant Olli
• (6.85 mi) Tri Olenya
• (6.49 mi) Beerhouse
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