10 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Maine
Jun. 9—Juneteenth has been recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans after the Civil War.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state. Enslaved people there were told that they had been set free by the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on Jan. 1, 1863.
The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was enacted by the 117th U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden.
In Maine, there are a number of commemorations and celebrations happening on or around June 19.
Juneteenth Black History Walking Tour
1 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Departing from 14 Ocean Gateway, free. blacktravelmaine.com/events.
Black Travel Maine will host a guided walking tour through Portland's downtown in advance of Juneteenth. The walk will highlight Maine's lesser known Black history. Eighth- and ninth-generation Black Mainers will lead the tour, which is sponsored by Maine's Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Population. Though the event is free, advanced registration is required. Attendees can RSVP online.
Broken Clock
7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17. The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston, free. maineinsideout.org/brokenclock.
Maine Inside Out will bring the play "Broken Clock" to Lewiston for a special Juneteenth performance. The nonprofit creates original theater in schools, in prisons and in the community. This show comes as the nonprofit is trying to raise $25,000 in 20 days to replace a grant that was withdrawn by the National Endowment for the Arts, which has jeopardized a year of creative work and months of planned performances. To donate, visit givebutter.com/mio25k.
Juneteenth Walking Tour: The History of Slavery in York County, Maine
1 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, free, registration required. oldyork.org.
The History of Slavery in York County, Maine is an ongoing tour offered by the Old York Museum Center. On Juneteenth, participation is free. Walkers will hear stories of enslaved people in York County, from colonial times through the Emancipation Proclamation. The tour lasts approximately an hour, and covers a three-block area along York Street. The terrain is uneven, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Downtown Biddeford Juneteenth 2025 Celebration
3-5 p.m. Thursday, June 19. The Foundry, 30 Upper Falls Road, Biddeford, free. Discounted parking at the Pearl Street garage with the promo code JUNETEENTH. Details at eventbrite.
The family-friendly event is hosted by the city of Biddeford's DEI Committee, the Maine Black Chamber of Commerce and Heart of Biddeford. The event is open to those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color, their families and community allies. There will be music by DJ B.Aull, food from Soul Food Paradise, and storytelling from local historian Bob Greene.
Ancestral Echoes: Walking the Water, Singing the Land
3-5 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Congress Square Park, Portland, free. congressquarepark.org.
Love Lab Studio and Portland Juneteenth invite visitors to gather in Congress Square Park to learn about the meaning and history of Juneteenth. Attendees can create a sculptural story flower.
Juneteenth Commemoration: Caring for Ourselves & Each Other
4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Knowlton Park, 160 State St., Ellsworth, free. juneteenthdowneast.org.
Juneteenth in Ellsworth includes entertainment, food and kids' activities. Emcee Jacques Newell Taylor will oversee the afternoon's commemoration, featuring Honey & Lace (Chef Kara), DJ Timeless, Chief Nze (Oscar Mokeme) and Cipelahq Ehpicik: Thunderbird Women (drumming). There will also be massage, yoga and tai chi.
Community Day at Victoria Mansion
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St., Portland, free, reservations recommended. victoriamansion.org.
In observance of Juneteenth, Victoria Mansion is waving admission fees. The mansion will honor and tell the stories of the 27 individuals known to have been enslaved by mansion owners Ruggles and Olive Morse in New Orleans. Through posters in each room, visitors will learn about their lives and journeys before, during and after enslavement.
The mansion's Unwilling Architects Initiative was launched in 2021, resulting in comprehensive research on how the enslaved workers contributed to the fortune that built Victoria Mansion in Portland.
Juneteenth in Westbrook
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Riverbank Park, Westbrook, free. iccmaine.org/juneteenth.
Westbrook-based nonprofit Intercultural Community Center will hold a Juneteenth celebration at the city's Riverbank Park. The gathering includes arts and crafts, music, dance, vendors and food trucks. Westbrook Mayor David Morse will kick off the event. The schedule also features a reading from Maine's Poet Laureate Maya Williams and drumming from the group Kirenga Cy'Intore.
Juneteenth: A Farm-to-Table Celebration of American agriCULTURE
6 p.m. Thursday, June 19. Wanderwood, 79 Sidelinger Road, Nobleboro, $150, reservations required. wanderwoodmaine.com.
Enjoy a multi-course, family-style farm dinner created by Chef Brent Foster of Husky Boi and Crispy Gai in Portland. Dishes will draw from Wanderwood's June harvest with Cajun-Acadian inspired recipes to honor the legacy of Black Americans in agriculture. The four-course meal kicks off with a welcome cocktail, and wine will be served throughout the evening.
3rd Annual 2025 Juneteenth Celebration: Resistance Through Joy
5 p.m. Friday, June 20. Benjamin Mays Center, Bates College, 95 Russell St., Lewiston, free. eventbrite.com.
Community Organizing Alliance presents an evening of joy, resilience and community power. The Juneteenth gathering is meant to uplift Black voices, empower local youth and bring together changemakers. The schedule includes a keynote speaker, community panel conversations, partner tabling & networking, performances and southern cuisine.
Staff Writer Daniel Kool contributed.
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