Juneteenth Celebration Set for African Burial Ground National Monument Today

A Juneteenth Celebration will be held today, June 19, 2013, from 11:30AM - 2:30PM at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the American Civil War had ended. General Order No. 3 stated, "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." CHE Nautical and Enviro Edutainment Productions will present a special tribute to the New York 26th United States Colored Troops on June 19, 2013.

11:30AM and 1:30PM: EDUCATIONAL TOURS HIGHLIGHTING SOLDIERS' LIFE - Reenactors in full accoutrements will use a fully decorated wedge tent and camp kitchen to teach visitors about soldiers' life during the American Civil War. Exhibits will include battlefield relics of artillery weaponry and a National Regiment Flag. Visitors will also learn about Robert Smalls and his daring escape from enslavement aboard the CSS Planter; view a model of the USS Monitor; and much more! Tours will be conducted at the memorial!

12:30PM and 2:00PM: "JUNETEENTH: The Historic Tradition, New York and the American Civil War" - This powerful 30-minute audiovisual presentation explains the history of Juneteenth, New York's involvement during the American Civil War, the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth, and the importance of celebrating Juneteenth each year.

African Burial Ground National Monument Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. The memorial is open seven days a week, 9 am to 5 pm. African Burial Ground National Monument is closed to the public on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The Juneteenth Celebration will take place at African Burial Ground National Monument located on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, close to City Hall and near Foley Square.

For more information: Telephone: (212) 637-2019; Website: www.nps.gov/afbg or www.twitter.com/AFBurialGrndNPS and www.facebook.com/AfricanBurialGround.