Thursday is Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. While this holiday was only declared a federal holiday in 2021, it’s been celebrated by Black communities in the U.S. for over 150 years. It’s considered the oldest African American holiday.
There are plenty of fun events this weekend that are great opportunities to teach your kids about this important moment in American history. Here’s a few in the DMV to get you started!
Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth
June 19-21, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon | 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309
The Mount Vernon estate may have been George Washington’s home, but it was also a place where many enslaved people lived. Learn more about these people and their stories of slavery and emancipation at this special Juneteenth event, which will also feature musical performances, historical reenactors and demonstrations in cooking, spinning and blacksmithing.
$28, $15 for youth aged 6 through 11, free for children aged 5 and younger | mountvernon.org
Juneteenth Celebration: Power in the Past, Strength in the Future!
June 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Anacostia Community Museum | 1901 Fort Pl. SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
This free daylong celebration features a variety of fun events and opportunities to learn more about Black history and culture. Arrive early to take part in yoga and urban gardening workshops, then enjoy live music, dance and spoken word performances on the main stage. Visitors can also add to an interactive community mural or test their skills at double Dutch. It’s fun for the whole family!
Free | anacostia.si.edu
Juneteenth Community Day
June 21, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
National Museum of African American History and Culture | 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560
Juneteenth may be over, but there’s still plenty of related events taking place over the weekend. This festival celebrates both Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month, blending African-American and Caribbean performing arts. There are also plenty of hands-on activities for younger children, including crafts, instrument-making and a guided drum circle.
Free | nmaahc.si.edu
