Celebrate Juneteenth: Liberation and Legacy

Special Event at Greenfield Village®

  • June 19
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Free for members or with village admission.

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Juneteenth is the nationally recognized holiday celebrating the end of American chattel slavery. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, when enslaved people were finally freed on June 19, 1865, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. While Emancipation Days varied from state to state and occasionally town to town, Juneteenth has become an important date in American history to recognize the dream of liberty and justice for ALL.

Join us at The Henry Ford as we commemorate the legacy of celebration, community and citizenship on Juneteenth.

At the Mattox Family Home, watch cooking demonstrations using in-season recipes sourced from African American cookbooks to celebrate Emancipation Day across the American South. Then, visit A Taste of History restaurant to enjoy this same Emancipation Day Celebration Meal featuring barbecue ribs, combination greens, potato salad, devil's food cake with red coloring and hibiscus sweet tea. Plus, enjoy musical celebrations and programming throughout the village, including a special Black-Owned Business Day in Detroit Central Market.

Image above: THF118868 / Emancipation Day, Richmond, Virginia, April 3, 1905.


Programs and Performances in Greenfield Village

The Coloring Museum at Detroit Central Market
10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Guests can collaborate on a 10-by-6-foot illustrated mural themed for Black History. This experience is sponsored by The Coloring Museum and is a perfect program for guests of all ages.

Selected of God at Town Hall
10:30-11 a.m., 12-12:30 p.m., 1:30-2 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m.

Lift ev'ry voice and sing! Selected of God will perform freedom songs and hymns to explore music during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Sky Covington Jazz Trio at the Gazebo
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

At the gazebo located near the covered bridge, take in a dynamic and authentic jazz trio featuring Phil Hale on keys, Ibrahim Jones on upright bass and vocalist Sky Covington performing a special Billie Holiday tribute.

The Rev. Robert Jones at Mattox Family Home
11-11:30 a.m., 12:30-1 p.m., 2-2:30 p.m., 3:30-4 p.m.

The Rev. Robert Jones will be performing blues at Mattox Family Home as part of the Emancipation Party.

DJ Jungle 313 at Detroit Central Market
11-11:30 a.m., 12:30-1 p.m., 2-2:30 p.m., 3:30-4 p.m.

As part of Spin Inc Detroit, DJ Jungle 313 will perform during select times. Spin Inc Detroit is a nonprofit established to provide music education to Detroit youths. DJ Jungle 313 will also have a table at the market for kids to try their hand at DJing.

Taslimah Bey Quartet at the Tintype Studio
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-1:30 p.m., 2:30-3 p.m., 4-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy a performance of Ragtime music as part of the 1910's Cakewalk Vignette, exploring the history of African American popular dance and the origins of the Cakewalk.

Juneteenth Cooking Demonstration at The Learning Kitchen in Stand 44
12-1 p.m., 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Join Chef Robbie Bursey as she prepares a fried catfish and watermelon tomato salad. Enjoy samples, chef Q&A and a recipe to take home. Seating is limited. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the demonstration's start time.

102nd United States Colored Troop Company C posted at Ford Home

Throughout the day, the troop will discuss Black soldiers joining the fight for their own freedom and what changes they experienced in the wake of the Civil War in this 1865 vignette.

Emancipation Party Vignette at Mattox Family Home

Mattox Family Home is the main site of the Emancipation Party. Throughout the day, visit the family home as a piece of living history sets the stage for a Juneteenth celebration, including cooking demonstrations using in-season recipes sourced from African American cookbooks.

Performance times subject to change.


Black-Owned Businesses in Detroit Central Market

Black business and community investment have played an important role in building for the future. Discover and support metro Detroit area Black-owned businesses from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Featured Vendors and Community Organizations


Asher & Arnold


Mrs. Pruitt's Gourmet Cha Cha


Bags to Butterflies


Opal Grove Games


Brewteaful Gifts


Preva Hair and Body


Detroit Cocoa Bar


R&D Foods


Detroit's Future is Female


Sepia Coffee


Detroit Justice Center


Serenityy The Brand


Detroitorant


Source Booksellers


Elle Jae Essentials


SO-ul Delicious Cakes


Faust Haus Roasting Co.


Spin Inc.


Halie & Co


The Coloring Museum


Kids Like Mine


Touch of Honey


Lexxurious Aromas


We The People Opportunity Farm


Love Travels Imports


Yarn Nerds


MFER Seasonings and Spices


Zella's Bakery


Motor City Popcorn




Learn More About Juneteenth on Our Blog


Featured blog posts:

When Freedom Came: Remembering the Origins of Juneteenth

Emancipation Day Celebrations



Free Admission for Members

Become a member for free admission to Juneteenth programming, plus free parking and discounts on dining and shopping. Then use your membership to access free general admission to the museum and village for a full year of fun.


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Ticket Prices

Parking is $9 per vehicle for nonmembers, free for members.

Greenfield Village

    Member Non­member
Senior (62+) Free $35.00
General Admission (12-61) Free $39.00
Youth (5-11) Free $29.25
Children (4 & Under) Free Free

* Seasonal pricing will be in effect throughout the year. The pricing chart reflects the online discount price. There is an additional charge per ticket for purchases made on-site.

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