Celebrate Juneteenth and African American History Day

The Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, but enslaved people still under Confederate control in some areas of the country did not receive freedom until two years later. Dating to 1965, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery. Read on for some ways to celebrate locally on June 19.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Montgomery Hall Park

On June 19, the Shenandoah Valley Juneteenth Organization will host its 10th annual Juneteenth celebration from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event includes live performances, food and craft vendors, museum exhibits, Juneteenth themed Family Feud and Jeopardy games, and family-friendly activities.

After a fun and educational day at the park, head to downtown Staunton’s Beverley Street, which closes on the weekends to vehicular traffic. Shop locally in a number of unique stores or grab a meal at one of the restaurants participating in the Shop and Dine Out in Downtown program. Follow individual merchants for additional Juneteenth celebrations.

Nearby Juneteenth Celebrations

Here’s how nearby communities are celebrating Juneteenth this year.

• The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum hosts “Slavery in the Birthplace”, a special guided tour focusing on the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and labored in the Presbyterian Manse where Woodrow Wilson was born.
• Bridgewater is holding a Juneteenth celebration at Oakdale Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Charlottesville has several Juneteenth events, including the Kicks Rock Sneaker Showcase, a Juneteenth Jubilee at Eastwood Farm and Winery, and a Fridays After Five Juneteenth Celebration at Ting Park.
• Shenandoah National Park celebrates Juneteenth with a fee-free day on June 19.
• For more Juneteenth events around the state, check out the schedule on the Virginia Tourism Corporation website.

Learn More About the Area’s Black History

The following resources are excellent ways to gain additional knowledge of the Black experience in the Staunton area.

• Woodrow Wilson and several other presidents have been criticized for their attitudes on race and the history of slavery that surrounds them. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum tackled the topic with a 2022 lecture series called Reckoning: A Series on U.S. Presidents and Racial Inequality. Watch the recordings for free. The museum further explores the topic of Wilson and Race with several resources on their webpage.
• In 1946, Montgomery Hall Park became one of only two parks in Virginia dedicated for use by African Americans. The park remained segregated until 1969. Watch the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library’s 2008 Montgomery Hall Park Project to learn about the park’s history.

• The Booker T. Washington Museum and Library contains photographs, articles, books, yearbooks, and memorabilia like sports trophies and letterman jackets. It’s in the Booker T. Washington Community Center, Staunton’s former segregated high school.
• Visit the Staunton/Augusta County African American Research Society’s website for resources about the general and family history of Black people in this area. 
• Download a copy of the Staunton African American Heritage Brochure for information about events, history, and important people and places.
• Waynesboro’s Black History Museum At Rosenwald gives visitors a look at the “historical significance Waynesboro’s African American community had in shaping the city.” Appointment only.

We hope these celebrations and resources help you celebrate Juneteenth and gain a broader understanding of our city’s Black history, culture, and contributions.