By Nina Kendall
Juneteenth is a unique holiday. It is the annual commemoration of the day
those enslaved in Texas learned they were free. This news arrived on June 19,
1865. These new Americans learned of
their freedom more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation and more
than 2 months after the conclusion of the Civil War. Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the
ending of slavery in America. In the midst of the sesquicentennial of the Civil
War, Juneteenth commemorations help to share more of this period of history.
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| USCT Reenactor |
This
year we commemorated Juneteenth at the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War
Museum in Grant Park. The Atlanta Cyclorama
is the home of a large cylindrical panoramic painting depicting
the Battle of Atlanta and a collection of Civil War artifacts. The Cyclorama hosted a celebration in honor of
Juneteenth and waived admission to their exhibits. It was an afternoon jam-packed
with opportunities to enjoy history.
One
of the highlights on any trip to the Atlanta Cyclorama is the viewing of the
painting. The largest cylindrical panoramic painting in North America is viewed in special
show. You sit in rotating seating and listen
to a narration of the battle as it is depicted in the painting. It is quite a
site. Upon exiting the exhibit, you can view artifacts about the Civil War in Georgia
and the restoration of painting.
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| USCT Reenactors |
In
addition to viewing the painting and artifacts this year there were a number of
other activities to enjoy. You could learn about the life of union soldiers and
the service of United States Colored Troops (USCT) from the re-enactors. A
traveling miniatures exhibit provided by The Sable Arm In Acts Of Valor
also shared more information about African
American service in the military. Young
and old were fascinated by display. Crafts were available for young kids. All
visitors could enjoy the Order of Freedom
presented by Atlanta History
Center performers. Further if you were looking for a more personal
connection, you could attend one of several genealogy workshops hosted by the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society,
Metro Atlanta Chapter.
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| The Sable Arms in Act of Valor Exhibit |
This was a great event. Lots of people,
young and old, were enjoying history. This was my first Juneteenth Celebration.
It will not be my last. Check out what
is going on your local community with the current commemorations of Freedom
Summer, the Civil War, and World War I a number of unique programs are being
hosted. Mark your calendars for the 150th celebration of Juneteenth
next year and continue to celebrate the past.
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