Genesee Country Village & Museum welcomes visitors to explore stories of Black Americans in Western NY in the years following emancipation and the abolition of slavery in the United States on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Honoring Juneteenth event. Visitors will have the opportunity to step into timed immersive experiences that showcase Black history and culture from the Genesee Valley Region – in the 19th century and today. Partnering organizations for Honoring Juneteenth include the Black Storytelling League of Rochester Inc. and 540WMain, Inc. This event is sponsored by Wegmans, and support for Honoring Juneteenth is provided by a Market New York grant awarded to GCV&M from I LOVE NY/ New York State’s Division of Tourism through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Juneteenth is considered the oldest celebration of the end of enslavement in the United States – and an official state holiday here in New York. The holiday is inspired by events that occurred on June 19, 1865, when Union troops brought the message of emancipation and the end of the Civil War to over 250,000 enslaved persons in Galveston, Texas – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. These messengers of freedom were met with shock and jubilation.
As visitors make their way around Genesee Country Village & Museum’s 19th-century Historic Village, they will have the opportunity to experience a number of trades, scenarios, and stories related to Black entrepreneurship in the Greater Rochester area in the 1800s and early 1900s. Visit the Cooper’s Shop to learn about Black cooperage. Explore one of the dozens of hotels that emerged in the Rochester area in the 19th century, and learn about the types of jobs that Black women could hold. Learn about barbering traditions in the Hosmer’s Inn summer kitchen. Explore Black entrepreneurship in the Altay General Store. Delve into the stories of Black Rochesterians like Rev. Clayton A. Coles, the first Reverend of the 2nd Baptist Church of Mumford, and historic baker Jesse Jackson, owner of a successful confectionery in the mid-1800s in Rochester. Plus, make connections to the modern day by meeting Brittany Jones of Mama J’s, a baker from Rochester who owns a shop just miles from Jackson’s original store front.
As visitors make their way through homes in the Historic Village, they will find ample opportunities to learn from costumed historic cooks about the culinary traditions surrounding Juneteenth celebrations and see receipts (called recipes, today) by Malinda Russell, the first known female African American published cookbook author. Plus, enjoy tastings of historical foods. The D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery will have slices of Malinda Russel’s famous rose cake available for sale.
Visitors are invited to join special guest Gabi Lopez in the John L. Wehle Gallery for story time throughout the day. Gabby will be reading a number of favorite stories related to and celebrating Juneteenth, including All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson.
Tickets for Honoring Juneteenth are available online at https://www.gcv.org/event/honoring-juneteenth/, and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to get the early bird discount. Honoring Juneteenth tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (62+), $15 for students (13 to 18), $12 for youth (12 and under), and children under two are free. There will be a small additional fee for tickets purchased at the door. Museum members can attend Honoring Juneteenth for free.
Tickets and more information about upcoming events can be found online at https://www.gcv.org/events/.
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