Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

Celebrate Juneteenth in Maplewood with historical reenactors, musical performances, and children’s activities on Sunday, June 23 from 1 to 5 pm.

The Durand-Hedden House & Garden Association and The South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invite all community members to celebrate this important holiday at Grasmere Park, the beautiful grounds surrounding Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood.

Activities will include historical reenactors, learning about the history of enslaved people in New Jersey, and musical performances. Children can enjoy face painting, crafts and storytelling. Delicious food will be available for sale.

Visitors can view the exhibit Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History, which provides historical context for Juneteenth and the history of enslaved people in New Jersey. The book based on the exhibit, written by Durand-Hedden President Gail R. Safian and designed by John Branigan, earned the Kevin M. Hale Publications Award from the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey.

The event is free and all are welcome. Pre-registration is appreciated at DurandHedden.org.