Now officially recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved.

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. He informed the enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as Juneteenth — a combination of June and 19 — for over 150 years.

Learn more about Juneteenth by visiting https://nmaahc.si.edu/events/juneteenth.