STURBRIDGE, Mass. — It was far from a normal Monday at Old Sturbridge Village. The museum changed up their programming a bit, and recognized the Juneteenth holiday.

“We want to commemorate that and help our visitors learn about that moment in time and kind of think about all of the different pieces of history that led up to that moment,” Jasmin Rivas, who serves as the director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for Old Sturbridge Village.

What You Need To Know

  • Old Sturbridge Village commemorated Juneteenth with a day of performances, speakers, and activities for families
  • The holiday recognizes the anniversary of General Gordon Granger informing the enslaved people in Texas of their freedom
  • Performers sang songs from the time-period and recited speeches from the likes of Frederick Douglass
  • Organizers hope to make the celebration an annual event for Old Sturbridge Village

The holiday commemorates the anniversary of General Gordon Granger reading an order in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 informing enslaved people of their freedom.

The village is set in the 1830s. It's something they say helps them educate people about what life was like all those years ago. Although Juneteenth would happen more than 30 years later, it was an opportunity they didn’t want to miss out on.

“History matters, right? All of our history matters," said Rhys Simmons, director of interpretation at Old Sturbridge Village. "That’s what we strive to do here each and every day.”

Families had the chance to make wristlets, enjoy soul food, as well as take in performances from local artists.

Nana Afriyie performed readings from Frederick Douglass’ July 4 speech, adding a modern twist.

“It’s important, because you know, you have to have a balanced, full-circle view of the history that is entailed of that time frame," Afriyie said. "It’s definitely necessary.”

Efua Dufu was one of many who helped organize the celebration. As an immigrant from West Africa, she feels a personal connection to the day.

“It reflects so much of me in pieces of a journey," Dufu said. "Coming from the motherland, living here, recognizing the history that we sit in, and where we have to go to.”

Dufu says before Juneteenth was made a federal holiday, it probably wasn’t as well known as it should’ve been, and Monday was a chance to create change locally.

“If today didn’t happen here, I’m not sure how many people that we have coming in here today would even get a piece of this," Dufu said.