Juneteenth Birthplace

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Juneteenth Birthplace

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The Birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston holds a special place in US and African American history. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due.

10/25/2026

🏖️ THERE WAS A TIME WHEN NOT EVERYONE COULD ENJOY ALL GALVESTON’S BEACHES.

Before the 1960s, Galveston’s beachfront was segregated.

Black residents were generally directed toward the West End, while white beachgoers enjoyed much of the East End.

But there was one small exception.

Between 28th and 29th Streets along the Seawall was a stretch of beach where Black families could gather.

Nearby were popular Black-owned businesses, including Gus Allen’s Villa, the Jambalaya Restaurant, and the Manhattan Club.

This area became an important place for recreation, entertainment, and community.

It’s a part of Galveston’s history that deserves to be remembered.

Does anyone remember Gus Allen’s Villa or have family stories about this part of the Seawall?

10/23/2026

Please join us this weekend as we launch the first major milestone of the Juneteenth's Home master‑planning process.

Our two days of community engagement sessions are designed to introduce the planning team, gather public insight, and begin shaping a national home for Juneteenth history and culture in Galveston.

🌞 Sat., Oct. 24
Juneteenth’s Home Community Engagement Sessions
📍 Ball High School cafeteria
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free

🌞 Sun., Oct. 25
Juneteenth’s Home Community Engagement Sessions
📍 Ball High School cafeteria
2 - 6 p.m.
Free

You are such an important part of this process. All are welcome and invited to attend.

10/14/2026

Our sincere thanks to Houston Public Media and writer Julianna Washburn for taking a closer look at the community meetings planned to help shape Juneteenth’s Home here on the island.

SmithGroup’s Dayton Schroeter summed up the reason for the sessions beautifully:

"The vision really has to come from the community and the people who hold this history closest.”

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on October 24 and 25 in Galveston.

Thank you for being part of this important process!

09/04/2026

Join the Galveston County Museum for a special program honoring the life and legacy of Opal Lee, known nationwide as the Grandmother of Juneteenth. ❤️💚💛

Public historian Samuel Collins III will share the story of her remarkable life, decades of advocacy and journey to help make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

📅 September 8 | 10 a.m.
📍 Galveston County Museum | 722 Moody
🎟️ Free and open to the public

08/18/2026

Happy Birthday to local artist, Ted Ellis! Join us in celebrating Ted by stopping by the Nia Cultural Center, Inc to see his Juneteenth Art of Soccer sculpture, a piece that brings together art, history and the beautiful game.

📍Nia Cultural Center | 2217 The Strand, Suite 101

Learn more about The Art of Soccer installations 👉 https://www.visitgalveston.com/world-cup/art-of-soccer/

06/25/2026

Juneteenth celebrations continue this Sunday at Groundswell / Galveston's Own Farmers Market.

Stop by on June 28 from 9 AM to noon to connect, learn, pick up your weekly groceries, and spend time with community partners honoring Juneteenth.

Community partners include:
🖤 Nia Cultural Center, Inc
💚 Galveston Alphas, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Gamma Pi Lambda Chapter
💛 Ctrl+Create
❤️ Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Tau Zeta Chapter

Details at: www.visitgalveston.com/events/celebrate-juneteenth-at-gofm/

06/24/2026

This weekend brings another way to gather and honor Juneteenth. The second annual Juneteenth Gospel Western Extravaganza is happening Friday, June 27, from 5 to 7 PM at the Wilbrydge Reception Center, with gospel music, western style, and community at the center of it all.

Tickets are $25 per person, and tables of eight are $200. See more at: www.visitgalveston.com/events/juneteenth-gospel-western-extravaganza/

06/18/2026

This Sunday at The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston Symphony Orchestra presents GSO Juneteenth: Her Voice, Her Story.

The concert features music by Black women composers Jessie Montgomery, Undine Smith Moore, and Florence Price, followed by Mary Lou Williams’ complete Zodiac Suite, a jazz and classical work connected to names like Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Art Tatum.

Sunday, June 21 from 4-6 PM.

Experience an unforgettable celebration at Galveston’s historic The Grand 1894 Opera House. Her Voice, Her Story brings you an evening honoring the Black women

06/18/2026

Today, June 18 at 6 PM, Friends of the Texas Historical Commission will host Juneteenth: A Texas Freedom Story, a virtual program exploring the Texas history behind Juneteenth and its lasting legacy.

The discussion will feature Samuel Collins III and Ed Cotham, who will share more about the story that began in Galveston and continues to be remembered across generations.

Register here:

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, marking a long‑delayed […]

06/17/2026

This Friday the Galveston Island Juneteenth Music Festival & Fireworks returns to Menard Park for a free celebration in the birthplace of Juneteenth.

The day includes community tributes, youth recognition, cultural activities, vendors, and live music performances.

It ends with the City of Galveston, Texas - Government fireworks along the Seawall at 9:15 PM.

The event is free and open to the public at Menard Park, 2222 28th St. Learn more: www.visitgalveston.com/events/galveston-island-juneteenth-music-festival-fireworks/

Address

601 Tremont Street
Galveston, TX

Website

https://www.juneteenthbirthplace.com/

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