The event will be held outside in the gardens and on the lawn and tented terrace of the Carlyle House located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Discover the history of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, art, history, and poetry readings. Activities are part of the planned offerings for the day that marks the liberation of Black Americans on June 19, 1865.

Highlights include visual artist Michael Spears and four poets: Micah the Poet, Carlynn Newhouse, Mysfit, and Pi-Anir the Poet. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with the artists after and in-between performances as well as share their written and/or drawn reactions to the powerful performances. 

The Athenaeum is offering African themed hands-on activity for all ages. Displays, including information about research to date on the enslaved individuals owned by John Carlyle and his descendants, and a scavenger hunt to give visitors the chance to learn more about our country’s second independence day.