Celebrate Juneteenth: Liberation and Legacy at Greenfield Village

June 10, 2025 at 08:00 AM EST - The Henry Ford invites the community to honor freedom, culture, and Black American heritage during Celebrate Juneteenth: Liberation and Legacy, a day-long commemorative event taking place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Greenfield Village.

Juneteenth, now a federally recognized holiday, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This special event will spotlight the enduring legacy of emancipation through immersive programming, historical reenactments, music, food, and community engagement.

Highlights Include:

Live Performances and Living History

• Selected of God performs freedom songs of the Civil Rights era at Town Hall.
• Rev. Robert Jones brings 1930s blues to life at the Mattox Family Home.
• DJ Jungle 313, in partnership with Spin Inc Detroit, spins contemporary tracks and teaches kids to DJ.
• Taslimah Bey Quartet performs lively ragtime during the 1910s Cakewalk Vignette.
• Sky Covington's Trio will be performing jazz, blues, and a tribute to Billie Holiday
• A historic reenactment of the 102nd United States Colored Troop Company C shares stories of Black soldiers post-Civil War.

Emancipation Party & Historic Cooking Demonstrations

At the Mattox Family Home, guests will witness authentic cooking demonstrations using seasonal recipes from African American cookbooks. These dishes—including BBQ ribs, greens, potato salad, devil's food cake, and hibiscus tea—will also be served at A Taste of History restaurant.

Black-Owned Business Day at Detroit Central Market

Shop and support over 25 Black-owned vendors and nonprofits. From artisan foods and crafts to books, beauty, and community building, the marketplace showcases the depth and diversity of local Black entrepreneurship.

Featured vendors include:

• Motor City Popcorn
• Sepia Coffee
• Kids Like Mine
• Elle Jae Essentials
• Bags to Butterflies
• Opal Grove Games, and more.

Interactive Family Activities

• Contribute to a giant collaborative mural with The Coloring Museum.
• Join youth-centered music education activities at the Spin Inc Detroit station.
• Cooking demonstrations with Chef Robbie Bursey at Stand 44.

Join us as we reflect, celebrate, and build community through powerful storytelling, music, food, and connection. Celebrate Juneteenth: Liberation and Legacy at The Henry Ford honors not just a moment in time—but a continued pursuit of justice, unity, and joy. The celebration is free for members or included with village admission.

For full event details, tickets, and more, visit THF.org/juneteenth.