“Working in partnership with the Atlanta History Center we will present a day of fun and educational activities including theatrical performances, a youth open mic experience, arts and crafts stations, and Civil War re-enactors. Our Juneteenth Celebration is in honor of all formerly enslaved African Americans, and will take place on Friday, June 20 from 11 am to 4 pm at the Atlanta Cyclorama. This event is free and open to the public,” states Camille Russell Love.
Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to deliver General Order Number 3 informing enslaved African Americans that they were free. This news came two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Upon hearing the news, African Americans started a tradition called Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrations included rodeos, fishing and baseball, and typical foods enjoyed were barbeque and strawberry soda-pop. Events also focused on remembering the past, education and self-improvement.
Juneteenth Schedule of Events at Atlanta Cyclorama:
11-11:30 am Junior Youth Genealogy (ages 5-11) led by the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Metro Atlanta Chapter. Experienced genealogists will assist children as they create family trees and participate in fun activities designed to help them understand family history.
11:45 am-12:15 pm Senior Youth Genealogy (ages 12-18) led by the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Metro Atlanta Chapter. Genealogists will expose youth to basic genealogical information and guide them in its use. They also will provide important online information and handouts.
12:30- 1 pm Order of Freedom by Atlanta History Center Performers. This productionexplores the impact of the issuance of General Order No. 3 by General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, and the challenges faced by Cora and James Lewis as they begin their journey from enslavement to citizenship.
1-1:45 pm Youth Open Mic (ages 12-18) Youth will have the opportunity to share original poetry or excerpts from short stories that focus on themes related to Juneteenth, the U.S. Civil War, and/or African American Enslavement or Emancipation.
2-2:30 pm Order of Freedom by Atlanta History Center Performers. This productionexplores the impact of the issuance of General Order No. 3 by General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, and the challenges faced by Cora and James Lewis as they begin their journey from enslavement to citizenship.
2:30-4 pm Genealogy Workshop (adults and families) led by Atlanta Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Metro Atlanta Chapter & Atlanta History Center. AAHGS and AHC genealogist and archivist will lead a seminar on family genealogy and history. Participants will learn how to research, document and preserve important family history and ephemera.
*Limited space is available for all the above scheduled activities. Please email to reserve space and include sessions that you will attend, along with total number of people in your party, to atlcyclorama@atlantaga.gov . For more information call 404-658-7625.
The Cyclorama will offer FREE admission during the Juneteenth Celebration which will include viewings of the historic painting at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. There will be Arts & Learning Stations, Face painting and Civil War Reenactors from the 54thMassachusetts throughout the celebration.
The Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum opened in Grant Park in 1921. The building contains the largest oil painting in the world. The circular painting, known as a “cyclorama,” is 42 feet high X 358 feet long, and depicts the entire series of conflicts which encompass the Battle of Atlanta. The centerpiece of the museum is the Texas, the locomotive that won the Civil War adventure called the “The Great Locomotive Chase.” The museum also features uniforms, guns & artillery, maps and other artifacts. Tours of the Cyclorama take place throughout the day and include stadium seating for patrons on a revolving platform which affords a 360° view while they listen to details of the exciting events depicted in the painting.
The Atlanta Cyclorama is located near downtown Atlanta, in Historic Grant Park, at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315. “Like” them on Facebook for the latest updates: http://on.fb.me/1f1ImC7. For more information and to plan your visit: www.atlantacyclorama.org.
-TPR