Town offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth honors African American freedom and achievement and serves as a reminder for all Americans to recommit to the values of freedom, equality, and community.
Come celebrate Juneteenth with us! The Milne Public Library, The Clark Art Institute, and the Williamstown Historical Museum are hosting a wonderful lineup of free events open to everyone:
Book Group Gathering
Read and discuss David Walker’s graphic novel, The Life of Frederick Douglass: A Graphic Narrative of a Slave’s Journey from Bondage to Freedom.
Thursday, June 18, 3:00 PM at Milne Public Library.
Photography Exhibit
Friday, June 19, 1:00 – 3:00 PM at The Clark Art Institute
Enjoy a special pop-up exhibition featuring photographs by and of African Americans.
Reading Frederick Douglass Together
Saturday, June 20, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Williamstown Historical Museum
Take part in a public reading of Frederick Douglass’ famous address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” performed by student leaders from Mount Greylock Regional Highschool.
Field Trip to Berkshire County Abolitionist Sites
Sunday June 21 at Noon
Join the Milne Public Library for a fieldtrip to historical sites, monuments, and statues of abolitionists in Berkshire County – Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Elizabeth Freeman, and the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts. BBQ lunch included.
NAACP Berkshire County Celebration
Sunday, June 21, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM in Pittsfield
Join the NAACP Berkshire County Branch for a full day of music, dance, food, history, and family joy, beginning at Pittsfield City Hall. Continue at Durant Park in Pittsfield’s historic Black West Side for readings of Frederick Douglas, live music, a Cultural Hair Show, Soul Line Dancing, and more.