Juneteenth Commemoration at Washington State History Museum

[cid:image002.jpg@01DCF2A1.59C9B500]NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT: Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State History Museum, 253-317-1273 derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov Juneteenth Commemoration at Washington State History Museum [cid:image003.jpg@01DCF2A1.59C9B500] Eva Abram of Rainwater Storytelling will perform at the event Tacoma, WA - Join us in commemorating Juneteenth with an evening of free programming on June 18, 2026, at the Washington State History Museum. This family-friendly event will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and will feature remarks and a performance by Eva Abram of Rainwater Storytelling. The event will also feature performances by singer and musician Jason Turner, musician Naby Camara from Guinea, African dancer and drummer Baba Kauna Mujamal, and instrumentalist Kamau Ron Taplin. Also known as Freedom Day or Black Independence Day, Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved people of their freedom-more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated across the nation as a time to honor Black history and culture. "Juneteenth celebrates freedom in our American democracy," says Abram. "This year we celebrate two freedoms-America's freedom from British rule 250 years ago and the freedom of all African Americans from bondage in June 1865." A storyteller, keynote speaker, and award-winning actress, Abram received the 2022 J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Award from the National Storytelling Network. As a member of the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, she travels around the state speaking to audiences of all ages about American and African American history. She has also performed across the country and internationally in Japan and South Africa. "The Washington State History Museum," she says, "invites all Americans to join us as we highlight African American culture and the African American experience through Civil Rights songs that expressed our hopes and desires; storytelling that reflects our experiences; and music and dance from our African roots. It is going to be a celebration of remembrance and joy." The event is part of the We the People Lecture Series, which takes place on Third Thursday evenings, when admission to the Washington State History Museum is free. The series invites the public to explore what it means to be a Washingtonian and how that identity connects to the nation's founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Each session looks at this idea from different perspectives, helping us see the many ways people understand and experience Washington's story. The series partners with local cultural groups, historical and heritage organizations, Tribal museums, and educators to encourage community participation and highlight the importance of sharing history. Programs include a mix of talks, demonstrations, trivia, and performances that combine learning with fun, offering something for everyone to enjoy. The We the People Lecture Series is a part of Washington State's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about how to get involved at:?www.America250WA.org.<https://america250wa.org/> ### About The Washington State Historical Society and History Museum The Washington State Historical Society works with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Its most prominent activity is the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma's Museum District on Pacific Avenue. The museum features interactive core exhibitions about Washington in the Great Hall, rotating special exhibitions, and various public events and programs that cover a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS provides curriculum resources, downloadable exhibitions, and educational support across the state, as well as consultation and resources for museums and heritage organizations. For more information about the event and the museum's exhibitions, public programs, and other offerings, visit www.WashingtonHistory.org.<https://www.washingtonhistory.org./> Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 Hours: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: <http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/membership/> FREE for member<http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/membership/>s<http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/membership/>; <http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/membership/> $17 adults; $14 seniors (age 65+) and military (with ID); $11 students (age 6-17) $11. Through the Museums for Al<https://museums4all.org/>l<https://museums4all.org/> <https://museums4all.org/> p<https://museums4all.org/>rogram and licensed Washington Foster Parents can attend for $1 per person or $2 per family.