Celebrating Freedom's Ring as we honor Juneteenth!
Homeschool families are welcome to join us on Wednesday, June 18, as we honor Juneteenth, considered the oldest celebration of the end of enslavement in the United States – and an official state holiday in New York. The holiday is inspired by events that occurred June 19, 1865, when Union troops brought the message of emancipation and the end of the Civil War to over 250,000 enslaved persons in Texas – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. These messages of freedom were met with shock and jubilation.
Homeschool-specific programming will be from 1 – 4 p.m., but homeschool families are welcome to join us starting at 10 a.m. Please be aware there will be public school students and buses onsite from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Homeschool Programming
Homeschool families who join us between 1 – 4 p.m. will be able to participate in a number of hands-on activities!
- Help finish laundry, the 19th century way, while learning about Black laundresses
- Understand the skills and community around styling Black hair in the 19th century
- Write your own celebratory poem to take home
- Watch an Oyster Omelet being prepared
- Visit the school house to learn about local Black school teachers in the 1800s
Plus! Join a historic interpreter on an interactive walk around Village Square to learn about Opal Lee and her march to D.C. at 1pm
Towards Freedom & Fairness Walking Tour
Geared for families with kiddos 10+, join us for a guided walking tour, beginning at the Tollhouse. Participants will:
- Explore the exciting stories of real people from Western New York by looking at their personal accounts. This will help you learn about history and think critically about it!
- You’ll also discover how things from the past connect to our lives today and find ways to relate to the stories we share.
- Learn about the words and phrases used to talk about enslavement in the United States.
- Finally, think about how what happened in the 1800s relates to our world today.
Come early and enjoy a full day of programming!
While homeschool-specific programming starts at 1 p.m., you’re welcome to join us as early as 10 a.m.! Families who come early can also enjoy everything else the Museum has on offer:
- Listen to award-winning children’s author Alice Fay Duncan as she tells the story of Opal Lee and presents a sermon delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. just before his death in Memphis from a soon-to-be published children’s book
- Enslavement in the Genesee Country exhibit at the Nathaniel Rochester House
And more! See what else we have planned by clicking the button below!
Ticket Information
Museum Members | FREE
Age 3 & Under | FREE
Homeschool Students age 4 – 18 | $10
Adult chaperones age 19+ | $12
Email education@gcv.org if you would like us to contact you when tickets are up.
GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this event.. Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Yes, even though Museum Members get free admission for this event, we ask that you do reserve a ticket ahead of time.
Yes! The Depot Restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (grill closes at 3). You’re also welcome to pack a picnic lunch; there are plenty of picnic tables and grassy space to eat around the Great Meadow!
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum.
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
Please dress accordingly for the predicted weather conditions.
We recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes – there is a lot to see and do, and surfaces in the Historic Village (brick paths, cobblestone, grass), can be uneven.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.
