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Arts events, historical tours and more scheduled for Alexandria Juneteenth celebrations

Freedom House Museum, staff photo by Vernon Miles

Along with the grand opening for the Freedom House Museum, there are a whole host of events scheduled around Alexandria later this month to recognize Juneteenth.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Visit Alexandria has put together a roundup of events and programs around Alexandria marking the occasion, including:

Steps Toward Freedom: A Juneteenth Remembrance — June 16, 2022, at 5 and 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $25 to $45 per person
The Secret Garden at the Rectory, 711 Princess St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-6040
classicalmovements.com/secretgardenconcerts

Exciting artists and a powerful program of beloved spirituals, incredible songs, narration, storytelling and lyrical dance bring to life this new American holiday. After presenting its first Juneteenth concert just a day after Congress voted to make Juneteenth a national holiday, Classical Movements and the Coalition of African Americans in the Performing Arts partner once again to celebrate this day of joy and liberation. Enjoy a Juneteenth cocktail during this performance.

Juneteenth at the Torpedo Factory Art Center — June 19, 2022, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
torpedofactory.org

America’s second Independence Day is a time to celebrate, reflect and learn about the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a celebration of freedom and also an opportunity to deepen our awareness of the nation’s legacy of systemic racism and oppression. Join artists at the Art Center for a shared community space in the Grand Hall to create artistic messages with your loved ones.

Juneteenth Celebration at Carlyle House — June 19, 2022, from Noon to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park

Presented in collaboration with C. Alexandria-Bernard Thomas and The Athenaeum, the event will be held outside in the gardens, on the lawn and the tented terrace of the Carlyle House, located in the heart of Old Town. Discover the history of Juneteenth through live music, 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.

Manumission Tour Company: African American History Bus Tour — June 20, 2022, at 1 and 3 p.m.
Admission: $29 until June 1; $35 after June 1
Meets at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
manumissiontours.com

On Monday, June 20, when the Juneteenth holiday is observed, join Manumission Tour Company for a 90-minute African American history bus tour to visit sites around the city such as the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, the African American Heritage Park, Alfred Street Baptist Church, Barrett Library and more. The tour will leave from the Alexandria Black History Museum at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Purchase your seat online.

Other events around town include events at the Lee-Fendall House from June 3-Nov. 13 and tours at the Carlyle House. There are also events including presentations about Civil Rights available through the Alexandria Library.

Meanwhile, the new Freedom House Museum opened last week but has a larger grand opening celebration scheduled for Monday, June 20.

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