Colonial Williamsburg Commemorates Juneteenth with New Historic Openings, Special Guests, and Public Events
By John Womeldorf | mrwilliamsburg.com
This Juneteenth, Colonial Williamsburg is offering a deeply meaningful and history-rich celebration that honors the stories, resilience, and enduring legacy of the Black community in Williamsburg. From the public opening of the Williamsburg Bray School, to the groundbreaking of the African Baptist Meeting House, to a powerful lineup of special programming, this year’s commemoration invites locals and visitors alike to explore and reflect on our shared past — and its lasting relevance today.
Events will take place June 15–19, 2025, throughout Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Art Museums. As a highlight, complimentary admission will be offered to all guests on Wednesday, June 19, in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register for free entry at colonialwilliamsburg.org/juneteenth.
“Juneteenth continues to play an important role in Colonial Williamsburg’s ongoing work to honor the past, engage the present and inspire the future,” said Cliff Fleet, CEO and president of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “The stories told by new historic sites like the Williamsburg Bray School and the African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground…give visitors the invaluable opportunity to make new discoveries about our shared past.”
A Full Slate of Juneteenth Programming
Sunday, June 15 – Juneteenth Sunrise Service
Kick off the week with a moving Sunrise Service under the iconic Compton Oak at 6:00 a.m. in the Historic Area. This free, public service will feature a keynote address from Dr. Daniel Black, award-winning novelist, professor, and dynamic speaker on Black history and culture.
Wednesday, June 19 – African Baptist Meeting House Groundbreaking
At 9:00 a.m., join members of The Historic First Baptist Church and descendant families of Williamsburg for a historic groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground. This was the original permanent location of one of America’s earliest African American congregations. The site will be reconstructed and opened to the public in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the church’s founding.
Wednesday, June 19 – Williamsburg Bray School Opening
Also on Juneteenth, Colonial Williamsburg will mark the official public opening of the restored Williamsburg Bray School, the 89th original building in the Historic Area. The Bray School was one of the first institutions in North America to educate Black children, operating in the mid-1700s. Its interpretation explores the complex realities of education, religion, and slavery in 18th-century Virginia. This is a must-visit site and admission is free.
I previously wrote about the Bray School’s restoration and its vital place in Williamsburg’s history. You can read more about its story and the preservation effort here.
Other Highlights Throughout the Week:
Live Blacksmithing Demonstrations with Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, the most celebrated architectural blacksmith in the Gulf South. Interactive Sing-Along led by Dr. Kathy Bullock, blending music, movement, and storytelling. Storytelling Performances by award-winning interpreter Sheila Arnold. Community Drum Circle and African cultural programming. Photography Exhibit featuring the works of Albert Durant, Williamsburg’s first city-licensed African American photographer.
Visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/juneteenth for the full event schedule. For directions, parking, and complimentary bus info, see colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/parking.
A Regional Celebration
Colonial Williamsburg’s programming is part of a larger series of Juneteenth events across Greater Williamsburg, organized by the Juneteenth Community Consortium — a local coalition formed in 2022 to educate, commemorate, and celebrate the holiday. Events will run from June 14–21. You can explore the full list of community-wide activities at juneteenthcc.org/events.
Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth marks the date — June 19, 1865 — when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed it into law.
Colonial Williamsburg offers a helpful Juneteenth timeline and educational resources to explore the broader context of the holiday’s origins and meaning. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/juneteenth to learn more.
About Me
I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg. Whether I’m covering new real estate developments, neighborhood history, or meaningful cultural events like this one, I love sharing the stories that shape life in Greater Williamsburg.
Want more insights into Williamsburg’s communities, culture, and homes? Let’s connect.
Thanks for reading — and I hope to see you around town this Juneteenth.