FAQs
What is Juneteenth?
Texas was the last state in the Union to allow enslavement. While the Emancipation Proclamation was made law on January 1, 1863, freedom from slavery wasn’t announced in Texas until Union Major-General Gordon Granger issued General Order #3 in Galveston on June 19, 1865. The date, since dubbed “Juneteenth,” is now observed annually as a federal holiday to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation’s enforcement and the liberation of the remainder of the enslaved both in Texas and throughout the newly reformed United States.
Why is the National Juneteenth Museum important?
Rich in its meaning and purpose, Juneteenth celebrates the “breaking of the chains”, the legacy of freedom announced on June 19, 1865. The National Juneteenth Museum will be a knowledge hub, creating awareness and deepening the understanding of Juneteenth’s impact on the future of the African American community and the nation.
What will be exhibited inside the National Juneteenth Museum?
The National Juneteenth Museum is not just a museum, it will be a curated experience center to educate guests on the legacy and experiences of the enslaved and provide factual narratives about people who overcame the trials and hardships of oppression. Programming will include year-round immersive education seminars and exhibits by renowned authorities on historical perspectives of freedom and the human experience.
How is the National Juneteenth Museum funded?
The museum’s funding comes from multiple sources including private and corporate donations, government programs, foundations and grants.
What is the project timeline and approximate completion date?
The museum is expected to break ground in 2023 and open to the public on June 19, 2025.
What is the project’s commitment to DEI?
National Juneteenth Museum and its design team at BIG and KAI Enterprises are committed to ensuring minority businesses are in leadership roles and are a significant part of the construction and other opportunities.