The Booker T. Washington National Monument in Franklin County will be recognizing 160 years since emancipation with its Juneteenth celebration starting June 20. The three-day event will provide historical context and gospel entertainment for visitors.
Booker T. Washington National Monument is located at 12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy
Friday, June 20
The Viola Factor: Booker T. Washington’s First Education
10 a.m. at the Visitor Center Theater
Local author Sheridan Brown discusses her fictional novel “The Viola Factor” and the history behind the very real relationship between Viola Ruffner, former schoolteacher, and Booker T. Washington. The program concludes with an author signing.
Born Here, Freed Here: The Emancipation of Booker T. Washington
11 a.m. at the Visitor Center Back Porch
Join a park ranger on this short walk to the historic core of the park, including the reconstruction of the kitchen cabin Booker T. Washington grew up in. Learn about Booker’s time on the Burroughs' tobacco plantation and how it influenced his life, as well as the moment of his emancipation, 160 years ago.
New Signs, Enduring Story: Honoring Booker T. Washington’s Early Years
12 p.m. at the Visitor Center Back Porch
Join the unveiling new interpretive signs that tell the story of Booker T. Washington’s early life and enduring legacy. These signs offer insight into his childhood experiences while enslaved on the Burroughs’ plantation.
“The Northern armies conquered”: From Appomattox to Hales Ford
1 p.m. at the Visitor Center Theater
General Ulysses S. Grant’s victory at Appomattox Court House led to the end of slavery in Virginia, including freedom for nine-year-old Booker T. Washington. Join Park Superintendent Jim Bailey for a discussion on the connection between Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Booker T. Washington National Monument, and of Washington’s life and legacy.
Raising the Shade: Franklin County U.S. Colored Troops
2 p.m. at the Visitor Center Theater
Join volunteers from the Raising the Shade project to learn about some of the seventy soldiers born in Franklin County who served as United States Colored Troops during the Civil War.
Born Here, Freed Here: The Emancipation of Booker T. Washington
3 p.m. at the Visitor Center Back Porch
Join a park ranger on this short walk to the historic core of the park, including the reconstruction of the kitchen cabin Booker T. Washington grew up in. Learn about Booker’s time on the Burroughs' tobacco plantation and how it influenced his life, as well as the moment of his emancipation, 160 years ago.
Saturday, June 21
The 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom will begin at 11 a.m. with gospel groups and educational programming throughout the day. Gospel groups include The Napper Singers, Pastor Maurice Yancey Sr. & One Accord, The Joy Bells, Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven, The Lovely Valley Choir, and EnVue.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food vendors will be available throughout the day.
Sunday, June 22
Born Here, Freed Here: The Emancipation of Booker T. Washington
11 a.m. at Visitor Center Back Porch
Join a park ranger on this short walk to the historic core of the park, including the reconstruction of the kitchen cabin Booker T. Washington grew up in. Learn about Booker’s time on the Burroughs' tobacco plantation and how it influenced his life, as well as the moment of his emancipation, 160 years ago.
“The Northern armies conquered”: From Appomattox to Hales Ford
1 p.m. at the Visitor Center Theater
General Ulysses S. Grant’s victory at Appomattox Court House led to the end of slavery in Virginia, including freedom for nine-year-old Booker T. Washington. Join Park Superintendent Jim Bailey for a discussion on the connection between Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Booker T. Washington National Monument, and of Washington’s life and legacy.
Born Here, Freed Here: The Emancipation of Booker T. Washington
2 p.m. at the Visitor Center Back Porch
Join a park ranger on this short walk to the historic core of the park, including the reconstruction of the kitchen cabin Booker T. Washington grew up in. Learn about Booker’s time on the Burroughs’ tobacco plantation and how it influenced his life, as well as the moment of his emancipation, 160 years ago.
Sing the Old Songs: African Origins of the Banjo
3 p.m. at the Visitor Center Theater
Park Ranger David Wooldridge performs on a gut-string banjo while discussing the African origins of the “banjar” and its connection to Southside Virginia.
