Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
Free Community Day
Penn Museum
Saturday, Jun. 15, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm ET
Free and Open to the Public
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Juneteenth—commemorating the end of slavery in the United States—is a day to celebrate freedom, heritage, and community.
Bring the whole family for a festival filled with joyful performance, live DJ sets, captivating storytelling, and hands-on activities for all ages. Support Black-owned businesses at a community marketplace or grab a bite from locally owned food trucks.
Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Choose your entry time to explore the event and galleries at your own pace. Walk up registration will be available.
A Day of Celebration
Event host Starfire, DJ Aura, West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad, and line dancing with Kenny J
Drumming with Karen Smith, quilt-making with Carla Wiley, and Adinkra art-making
#ForTheCulture Community conversation and Diaspora DNA Pop-up exhibition, curated by Monica O. Mongomery, and learn about West Philadelphia Community Archaeology project Heritage West
Auntie Jo Jo and Black Boys Makin’ Noise storytelling group
Support Black-owned business and explore a community fair spotlighting local organizations focused on health and wellness
Food trucks like Pot of Essence and Blueish Bakes with sweet and savory fare for purchase and the Museum Café is open from 10 am–3 pm
Schedule of Events*
| 10:45 am | Welcoming Remarks, Artistic Expressions | Stoner Courtyard |
| 11:15 am | West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad | Stoner Courtyard |
| 11:30 am | Storytelling: Black Boys Makin’ Noise | Rainey Auditorium |
| 12:00 pm | Daily Dig Pop-up Talk: Mexico & Central America Gallery | Meets in the Sphinx Gallery; space is limited |
| 12:00 pm | Daily Dig Pop-up Talk for families: Africa Galleries | Meets in the Sphinx Gallery; space is limited |
| 12:15 pm | Storytelling with Auntie Jo Jo | Stoner Courtyard |
| 12:15 pm | Juneteenth: Exploring Freedom’s Stories Film Screening and Talkback with Ismael Jiminez and Andrea Reidell from Annenberg Classroom | Rainey Auditorium |
| 12:45 pm | Quilt Workshop with Carla Wiley [recommended for adults; space is limited] | Classroom M3 |
| 1:00 pm | Daily Dig Pop-up Talk: Native American Voices Gallery | Meets in the Sphinx Gallery; space is limited |
| 1:00 pm | Daily Dig Pop-up Talk for families: Africa Galleries | Meets in the Sphinx Gallery; space is limited |
| 1:00 pm | Karen Smith Drummers Workshop | Stoner Courtyard |
| 1:00 pm | #ForTheCulture Community Conversation with Monica O. Montgomery, Part 1 | Classroom L2 |
| 2:00 pm | Forum Philly Juneteenth Honors Program | Harrison Auditorium |
| 2:00 pm | Philly Girls Jump | Mosaic Courtyard |
| 2:00 pm | Daily Dig Pop-up Talk: Mexico & Central America Gallery | Meets in the Sphinx Gallery; space is limited |
| 2:00 pm | Daily Dig Pop-up Talk for families: Africa Galleries | Meets in the Sphinx Gallery; space is limited |
| 2:30 pm | R&B Line Dancing with Kenny J | Stoner Courtyard |
| 3:00 pm | #ForTheCulture Community Conversation with Monica O. Montgomery, Part 2 | Classroom L2 |
| 3:30 pm | Juneteenth: Exploring Freedom’s Stories Film Screening from Annenberg Classroom | Rainey Auditorium |
| Hourly | Book Giveaway: Traveling Black: A Story of Race and Resistance by Mia Bay & other assorted children’s Juneteenth books | Stoner Courtyard |
| ALL DAY | Diaspora DNA Pop-Up Exhibition | Classroom L2 |
| Food Trucks with sweet and savory fare for purchase | Stoner Courtyard | |
| Retail Vendors and Community Resource Fair | Warden Garden | |
| Heritage West: A West Philadelphia Community Archaeology Project | Stoner Courtyard | |
| Family Spaces | Warden Garden and Widener Lecture Room | |
| Quiet Space | Classroom L3 | |
| Dining Spaces | Group Dining, Mosaic Courtyard, Stoner Courtyard |
*Subject to change.
Juneteenth Supporting Sponsor:
Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Support for Juneteenth also provided by Forum Philly; Penn Arts & Sciences Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics; School of Social Policy and Practice; and the Office of Social Equity & Community at the University of Pennsylvania.
Special thanks to the Penn Museum Community Advisory Group.