NORRISTOWN, Pa. – Montgomery County and community organizations are hosting several events over the next week to celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865, that enslaved people in Texas were finally freed. A full listing of events can be found at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/Juneteenth.
The Peter Wentz Farmstead in Lansdale will offer special tours on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, 2023, focusing on the lives of the enslaved people owned by the Wentz family and how their stories connect to the larger history of slavery in early Pennsylvania. Learn about Jack, a freedom seeker owned by Peter Wentz who escaped twice from the Farmstead.
Hear the stories of Hannah Till and William Lee, enslaved people who were brought here with Gen. George Washington during the Philadelphia Campaign. Immerse yourself in the 18th century as you discover the complicated and rarely told history of slavery in Pennsylvania. The Peter Wentz Farmstead is a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site.
Tours will run every half hour throughout the weekend and space is limited. For tour times and more information, click here to reserve a timed ticket.
Pottsgrove Manor in Pottstown invites the public on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. to honor the history of the black experience in America. Learn about the important work of the Friends of the African Union Church of South Coventry and trace the roots of free Black ironworkers of Coventry Forge. Stay and help with a volunteer cleanup of the historic African Union Church of South Coventry cemetery. No registration is required to attend.
In addition, the following community events are planned to commemorate Juneteenth:
Saturday, June 17 through Monday, June 19: Free admission to The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition – One of the largest collections of African American historical artifacts, books, photographs, and memorabilia in the nation. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown.
Saturday, June 17: Freedom on the Mainline, noon to 6 p.m., Vernon Young Playground, 124 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore, PA
Monday, June 19: Norristown “Jubilee” Festival, noon – 6 p.m., Dekalb & Main Streets, Norristown, PA
For the latest information about Montgomery County Juneteenth events please visit www.montgomerycountypa.gov/Juneteenth. The site will be updated regularly with new information.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, has been an official Montgomery County holiday since 2020. This year, Montgomery County will observe the holiday on Monday, June 19, 2023.
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