Check these events in Bucks County area where you can meaningfully observe Juneteenth
Wondering how best to celebrate Juneteenth or learn more about its historical significance?
Community organizers are honoring this federal holiday, which falls on June 19, with several events across Bucks and Montgomery counties.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Juneteenth Independence Day, has been celebrated for more than 150 years, originating in Texas, a year after enslaved people in Galveston had been informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865. The news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.
Observance of Juneteenth has continued to grow around the nation and world and became recognized as a U.S. national holiday in 2021.
As awareness around Juneteenth builds, so do the opportunities to observe it — bringing together people of all races and backgrounds, while reflecting on the nation's past and uplifting the Black community.
Here’s how you can take part in Bucks County and Montgomery County.
Porch Performance: Celebrating Juneteenth, Schwenksville
Abolitionist William Still was a prominent civil rights activist who coined the term “underground railroad” and was one of the chief “conductors” in Pennsylvania. Hear the story of how he helped as many as 800 enslaved people achieve freedom.
When: Saturday, June 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Pennypacker Mills,5 Haldeman Road in Schwenksville
More information: montgomerycountypa.gov
Party with a Purpose: A Juneteenth Scholarship Benefit, Doylestown
In celebration and awareness around Juneteenth, The African Diaspora of Bucks County is hosting a 21 and over party in collaboration with Picnics on Pine to benefit scholarship programs and educational nonprofit programs supporting Black students in Bucks County. The night features a dance party with DJ Tone Arm spinning 80s to 2000s house, hip-hop and R&B music, paired with a food buffet from Harper & Penny. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
When: Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Puck, 1 Printer’s Alley in Doylestown
More information and tickets: picnicsonpine.com/tickets/p/juneteenth
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Juneteenth Lecture and Concert, Washington Crossing
Washington Crossing Historic Park, presented in partnership with Bloomberg and the African American Museum of Bucks County, will be hosting two Juneteenth events, starting with a free lecture at 3:30 p.m. in the park’s visitor center auditorium. Reenactor and first-person historian Noah Lewis and Linda Salley, president and executive director of the African American Museum of Bucks County will highlight the experience of Black soldiers during the American Revolution. Registration is required.
At 5 p.m., following the lecture, jazz vocalist Joyce Simpson and The Quake Band will perform a free outdoor concert on the park’s riverbank. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets. Alcohol is not permitted in the park. Food will be available from Daddy’s Kitchen and M&E Edibles Cake DeZigns and Catering. No registration is required.
When: Saturday, June 17 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road in Washington Crossing
More information: washingtoncrossingpark.org/event/juneteenth-celebration
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4th Annual Juneteenth Cometh, Lansdale
Join the Black Business Association as they host their 4th annual Juneteenth celebration with music by DJ Tone Arm, food, crafts, vendors and more.
When: Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park, 300 E. Main St. in Lansdale
More information: Juneteenth Cometh on Facebook
YMCA Juneteenth Celebration, Willow Grove
Join the Willow Grove YMCA and Greater Philadelphia YMCA for a celebration in honor of Juneteenth, filled with family-friendly games, music, entertainment, food, local vendors and more.
When: Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: YMCA, 3300 Davisville Road in Willow Grove
More information: YMCA Juneteenth Celebration on Facebook
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Charles L. Blockson Exhibit, Norristown
In honor of Juneteenth, Independence Blue Cross is sponsoring free admission for the public to view a collection of rare materials documenting the story of African Americans as curated by Norristown-born historian and scholar Charles L. Blockson at no charge.
When: From Saturday, June 17 to Monday, June 19
Where: Centre Theater, 208 Dekalb St. in Norristown
More information: thecentretheater.com/gallery
Pottsgrove Manor Juneteenth Celebration, Pottstown
Come to Pottsgrove Manor for two presentations exploring the past and present of the African Union Church of South Coventry and trace the community roots of the formerly enslaved Black ironworkers of Coventry Forge and find their present-day descendants. Following the talks, visitors are invited to participate in a volunteer cleanup of the nearby historic cemetery.
When: Saturday, June 17 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Pottsgrove Manor, 100 West King St. in Pottstown
More information: montgomerycountypa.gov/930/Pottsgrove-Manor
2nd Annual Juneteenth at the Mercer, Doylestown
A Juneteenth celebration, presented by African Diaspora Collective of Bucks County, The PairUP Society, Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, Doylestown Juneteenth, Bucks County Anti-racism Coalition and the NAACP of Bucks County, featuring speakers, live performances, musicians, family-friendly crafts and activities, educational opportunities, food trucks, a vendor marketplace and free admission to the Mercer Museum. This free event is open to everyone in the community.
When: Sunday, June 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Mercer Museum, 84 S. Pine St. in Doylestown
More information: mercermuseum.org/juneteenth
More on Juneteenth: Doylestown Juneteenth event set: 'I feel like it’s important that people realize they’re not alone'
3rd Annual Lower Bucks Juneteenth Celebration, Bristol
This free event, overlooking the Delaware River, features vendors, food, music, live performances, kids corner and car show, as a celebration of freedom, culture, Black empowerment, and economic advancement.
When: Sunday, June 18 at 11 a.m.
Where: The Bristol Riverfront, 100 Basin Park in Bristol
More information: facebook.com/juneteenth.celebration.71
Film Screening of Miss Juneteenth, Doylestown
Presented in partnership with the African Diaspora Collective in Bucks County, The County Theater is hosting a screening of Miss Juneteenth. This 2020 debut film by Channing Godfrey Peoples, tells the story of a single mother and former teen beauty queen, as she prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for their town's "Miss Juneteenth" pageant.
When: Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
Where: The County Theater, 20 E. State St. in Doylestown
More information and tickets: countytheater.org/films/miss-juneteenth
Norristown Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival, Norristown
The Jubilee Street Festival will be a joyful celebration of heritage and community, featuring an eclectic mix of local vendors, entertainment, music and food. There will also be a Harriet Tubman reenactment at Centre Theater.
When: Monday, June 19 from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Dekalb and Main streets in Norristown
More information: norristown.org
More on Juneteenth: 'It's not just Black history. It's American history:' Doylestown holds inaugural Juneteenth celebration
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County Juneteenth events set to honor, celebrate
