Juneteenth
Join us to commemorate Juneteenth and learn more about Black history in Boston.
Visit Georges Island & the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center for live music, story time, history tours, and an exploration of Black History in Boston.
Program Schedule
Saturday June 18
- 10:00 – 11:00am I The Glorious Struggle for Liberty guided tour I Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center
During the 18th century Long Wharf served as the entry point for enslaved individuals forced migration to the colony. Following the American Revolution, Boston and its port became an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Join a National Park Ranger on a walk to historic Long Wharf, and explore how Boston Harbor played a central role in the stories of enslavement and freedom seekers.
- 11:00am – 12:30pm I City Strings United cello ensemble I Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center
- 1:30 – 2:30pm I Safe Harbor: Boston’s Maritime Underground Railroad guided tour I Georges Island (with purchase of ferry ticket)
During the years preceding the American Civil War, Boston served as one of the most important stops on the Underground Railroad. Did you know that many of the fugitives escaping from enslavement came to Boston by stowing away on ships from southern ports? Join a National Park Ranger for a 60 minute guided walking tour on Georges Island, and explore the untold stories of men and women making daring escapes to freedom through Boston Harbor.
Sunday June 19
- 10:00 – 11:00am I The Glorious Struggle for Liberty guided tour I Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center
During the 18th century Long Wharf served as the entry point for enslaved individuals forced migration to the colony. Following the American Revolution, Boston and its port became an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Join a National Park Ranger on a walk to historic Long Wharf, and explore how Boston Harbor played a central role in the stories of enslavement and freedom seekers.
- 11:00am I Live reading of Born on the Water for youth and their families & friends by special guest community reader, Sentidra Joseph
- 1:30 – 2:30pm I Safe Harbor: Boston’s Maritime Underground Railroad guided tour I Georges Island (with purchase of ferry ticket)
During the years preceding the American Civil War, Boston served as one of the most important stops on the Underground Railroad. Did you know that many of the fugitives escaping from enslavement came to Boston by stowing away on ships from southern ports? Join a National Park Ranger for a 60 minute guided walking tour on Georges Island, and explore the untold stories of men and women making daring escapes to freedom through Boston Harbor.
About the performance:
City Strings United is a youth development organization that provides free cello lessons and unique performance opportunities to six through eighteen-year-old students primarily from urban Boston. Our focus is on discipline, teamwork, respect, listening and accountability – all attributes that we nurture to develop the whole child.
This program is presented as part of the commemoration of the Boston Harbor Islands’ 25th anniversary as a National Park and 50th anniversary as a State Park.