Thanks to the support of the First Selectman’s Diversity Advisory Committee and generous contributions from many town organizations and residents, the Greenwich Historical Society’s campus in Cos Cob will have something for all ages and interests at this year’s Juneteenth celebration on June 22, from 11am – 2pm. The Celebration will honor the contributions of the enslaved and people of color who resided in Greenwich since its inception.
“The entire community is invited to join us for a special day to honor Black Americans who contributed so much to making Greenwich and our nation the special place it is today,” says First Selectman Fred Camillo. Historical Society Executive Director & CEO Debra Mecky added, “The event offers a festive tribute and meaningful reflection on the end of the Civil War and freedom for all enslaved people.”
Attendees will enjoy browsing merchandise from local businesses at the curated market in the Tavern Garden and relaxing on the Great Lawn with games and the New Orleans-style jazz of Demolition Brass Band. Part of the ‘Music on the Great Lawn’ series, the concert is sponsored by First Bank of Greenwich. Delicious food and treats will be catered by Stamford’s Soul Tasty, compliments of Rob and Liz Kirkpatrick. Kids of all ages will enjoy educational crafts, face painting sponsored by Greenwich Youth Services, a garden scavenger hunt and craft tables.
In partnership with PARJE, Public Art for Racial Justice Education, event organizers invite the community to participate in a large-scale community coloring mural, underwritten by the Junior League of Greenwich. The mural will be sent back to PARJE who will create vinyl panels for display in museums across the country.
A newly planted Emancipation Garden near Bush-Holley House features plant varieties that were part of the Triangle Trade between New England, the West Indies and West Africa. Some of the plants, like the Wethersfield onion, became staples in the American diet and cornerstones of the early American economy. The plants were generously donated by Sleepy Cat Farm.
The Juneteenth celebration on June 22nd takes place on the Historical Society’s campus at 47 Strickland Road., Cos Cob, from 11am – 2pm. Suitable for all ages, attendees are encouraged to bring water bottles, blankets and lawn chairs. Pre-registration is optional but recommended. If it rains, the activities will take place indoors. To register and for more information: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/juneteenth-celebration/
The Greenwich Juneteenth Celebration is generously supported by Rob and Liz Kirkpatrick, the First Selectman’s Diversity Advisory Committee, Greenwich Youth Services and the following organizations: The First Bank of Greenwich, Junior League of Greenwich, PARJE, Sleepy Cat Farm and Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses.
Participating vendors include: Molly & Mags, Oh’ Deluxe Candles, Pure by Sasha, Stitchtrove and Xichao Cao.
