Although Juneteenth was not declared a federal holiday until 2021, many states, counties, and other entities have been observing it for years. Texas was the first to declare Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Celebrating Juneteenth at the Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers with special activities and programs has become an annual tradition.
“This month, we are excited to have a museum curator visit from Liberty Hall and a presentation from the Smithsonian Institution to talk about New Jersey’s history of enslaved people,” said Commissioner Paul M. Drake, liaison to the Office on Aging and Disability Services. “In addition, other experts are schedule to lead discussions about Burlington County, known as the ‘Cradle of Emancipation,’ and various historical resources from that time period.”
“I am so glad Juneteenth has become a national holiday,” said Helen B., a Somerset County-operated senior wellness center participant. “I didn’t know much about the special day until a few years ago when I attended a senior center. It’s essential the public knows about this piece of history. I am glad the County’s senior centers recognize this important holiday.
“One of the people I learned about at a senior center program is Major General Gordon Granger. Even after [President Abraham] Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, there were still some enslaved people in the South. When the Major General arrived in Texas two years later, he told the enslaved people they were free.”
There county operates six multi-purpose Senior Wellness Centers across the county. The centers will close to observe Juneteenth on June 20. Below is a list of planned Juneteenth activities and events.
June 19 – 11 a.m. – Bridgewater Senior Wellness Center – “Uncovering the Enslaved” with Hannah Gaston, Liberty Hall Museum. Celebrate hope and independence, and the end of slavery in the United States. In this Juneteenth presentation, participants will learn the history of slavery in New Jersey as well as how Liberty Hall Museum is uncovering stories of enslaved people claimed by the Livingston and Kean families. This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.
June 19 – 11 a.m. – Basking Ridge Senior Wellness Center – “Runaway: Juneteenth Program” with Art Adair, The New Cemetery. Enjoy this reading of a self-authored short story about resilience during the time of slavery by Art, a recipient of the 2024 Somerset County’s Juneteenth Leadership Award. There will be a discussion after the reading.
June 19 – 11 a.m. – Hillsborough Senior Wellness Center – “National Museum of African American History and Culture: Juneteenth Presentation,” the Smithsonian Institute. Enjoy this online exhibit by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in honor of Juneteenth also known as the “second Independence Day.”
For more information visit somersetcountynj.gov.
