Celebrating Freedom’s Ring as we honor Juneteenth!
Event sponsor:
Join us Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19 as we honor Juneteenth, considered the oldest celebration of the end of enslavement in the United States – and an official federal holiday.
Alice Faye Duncan
Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
Join award-winning children’s author Alice Faye Duncan on Village Square! Listen 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.
As a motivational speaker and historian, Duncan travels the nation, speaking to children and adults about the American Civil Rights Movement as it happened from 1955 to 1968. Her Juneteenth book, OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE is a bestseller, having sold 100,000 copies since January 2022.
If weather is inclement, program will occur in Brooks Grove Church.
Kid's Free Thursday!
Kids off from school June 19th? Don’t miss this opportunity to engage their curiosity and learn about Juneteenth at GCV&M with hands-on activities and more.
The North Star Players!
Guest interpreters from the North Star Players will be on campus sharing stories of joy and celebration! Don’t miss a riveting interactive call and response performance, learn about other prominent Black holidays, try to decipher old texts, learn about the importance of hair braiding and more!
Toward Freedom & Fairness Walking Tour
This guided 45-minute – one hour tour will be led by GCV&M educators beginning at 11:00am
Beginning at the Tollhouse and visiting the Towar Land Office, Quaker Meeting House, Livingston-Backus House, and Nathaniel Rochester House, all of which were an integral part of the story of enslavement and freedom in the Genesee Valley in the 19th-century, guests will:
- Expand learning about enslavement and freedom beyond Frederick Douglass.
- Interact with the stories of real individuals in Western New York using primary source accounts, building an understanding of how we learn and know about the past, and engage in critical thinking related to history.
- Make connections between the past and the present and forge personal connections to the stories that we share.
- Become familiar with the current terminology and language used to talk about enslavement in the United States.
Consider the connection between enslavement in the 19th-century and our lives today.
This tour is included in Daily Admission and is a “timed” activity; there is no additional cost or sign-up process. Guests who wish to participate should be at the Toll House no later than 11:00 a.m.
Activities in the Historic Village
From the Oyster King – Thomas Downing, to the expert on all things domestic skills – Robert Roberts, guests can see, smell, and try their hand at a multitude of different activities throughout both honoring Juneteenth days.
Head to Foster house to write your own celebratory poem to take home, watch an Oyster Omelet being prepared and more!
Plus! Join a historic interpreter on an interactive walk around Village Square to learn about Opal Lee and her march to D.C. – each day at 1pm
Ticket Information
Buy online and save! Tickets purchased onsite are an additional $1.
Museum Members | FREE
Adults: $16 online | $17 onsite
Seniors 62+ and Students 13-18: $14 online | $15 onsite
Youth (4 – 12): FREE
3 and under | FREE
GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this event. Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to expanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections, the telling of history, and outdoor spaces. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences.
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.
