In celebration of Juneteenth 2023 the National Museum of African American History and Culture returns to its perennial theme, Senses of Freedom: The Taste, Sound, and Experience of an African American Celebration.   
 
During this year’s Juneteenth Community Day visitors can explore the gifts of gardening and the culinary arts, hear stories, listen to music, and discover their inner artist with crafts for all ages. We invite the public to visit the Museum’s galleries, grounds, and Sweet Home Cafe to create memories and learn more about this historic holiday both inside and outside the museum. 
 

Indoors (Tickets Required)

In the History Galleries (11:00 am and 1:00 pm) Meet at C3/Landing Area

History Alive!: USCT: Juneteenth: What it Means, and Why We Celebrate

Hear real stories about Black people in the military and explore themes of freedom.

On Stage in Heritage Hall (11:00 am and 2:00 pm)

Sounds of Juneteenth

The Museum’s House Band will perform music that celebrates the voices of emancipation.

On L2 in the Explore More! Gallery (11:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Cooling Off with a Do-It-Yourself Fan - create Juneteenth-inspired fans.
 
Kuumba Jewelry Making – Make a bracelet that reflects the color palette of Juneteenth.

Outdoors 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (unless otherwise noted)

Tour (11:15 am) Meet at the Oculus on the North side of the Museum.

Big Objects, Big Stories: The Museum in the Making

The Culinary Garden (on the Southeast corner of the Museum grounds.)

The Museum’s Sweet Home Café will have the following foods for purchase:

Okra

Pickling demonstration at (12:00 and 2:00 pm).

Hibiscus

Learn more about the history and significance of this beautiful and flavorful flowering plant (a cousin to Okra).

Fish Pepper

Learn how the Fish Pepper was saved from extinction by a noted artist.

On the West Lawn of the Museum:

Talk Back Board—tell us about your thoughts on the Museum grounds.

Seed Art Activity

Create your own piece of art with seeds, beans, and rice-inspired by artwork in the Museum’s collection.

African Drumming

Listen, learn, and participate!

Stories Under the Trees

Hear folktales from Africa and the African Diaspora that focus on gardens, growing, cooking and Juneteenth.