The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is marking Juneteenth with a week of special events, highlighted by a rare public display of a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln himself.
The document, which declared freedom for millions of enslaved people in Confederate states, will be available for free viewing June 13 through 26 during weekday hours—and also during a special weekend showing on Saturday, June 14.
The museum will also host several events celebrating the holiday:
• Dan Duster, great-grandson of civil rights pioneer Ida B. Wells, will speak on leadership and courage Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
• “The Nature of Freedom,” a theater presentation featuring the words of historic Black leaders, will be performed at noon on June 12, 13, 18 and 19—and at 6:30 p.m. on the 19th.
• The ALPLM will join Springfield’s Juneteenth Celebration at Comer Cox Park on Saturday the 14th, offering activities and giveaways for families.
• And on June 19, the museum is offering free admission to all visitors.
Juneteenth, which began in Texas, commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Galveston were finally freed by federal troops—more than two years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
For full event details, visit PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov.
