History in Celebration
Our Juneteenth Festival is a three-day long celebration of the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. Partnering with the New London NAACP and OIC New London, the Hempsted Houses are home to this yearly community event highlighting the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding New London neighborhood.
Join us each day as we engage in activities encouraging conversations about emancipation, cultural awareness, and civic responsibility. Engage in a virtual presentation with Joseph McGill and Tammy Denease, share a conversation over a community campfire, bring your loved ones to celebrate Juneteenth with us all day Saturday, and end the three-day festival with Sunday Services. Explore all activities below!
Interested in being a vendor for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration on June 13? Click here to apply!
Schedule of Events
We invite you to discover what’s happening during our Juneteenth Festival. Learn more about each event, special guests, and register for daily activities, too. Be sure to check back here for updates on activities and times!
Wednesday, June 10
Juneteenth Virtual Presentation (10 am-11 am)
Join Living Historians Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project and Tammy Denease of Hidden Women Productions as they commemorate Juneteenth in this special virtual presentation. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, announced in 1865 by Union Soldiers in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free.
Registration required! This event will be held over Zoom. Please click the link below to register for the presentation and receive event updates.
Photos by La Chale Renee’ Photography
Saturday, June 13
Juneteenth Celebration Day (11 am-4 pm)
Celebrate Juneteenth with music and dance performances, living history presentations, local vendors, and children’s activities and crafts. Connecticut Landmarks and partners will highlight the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding neighborhood with the City of New London.
Photo by La Chale Renee’ Photography
Sunday, June 14
Sunday Services (11:30 am)
Pastor Michael Cagle leads participants in community for a spiritual and lively non-denominational church service followed by performances by The Jim Hunter Jazz Group and the New London Public Schools Bands.
In partnership with
Generously supported by
The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
The Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc.
Sign Up for Juneteenth Event Updates!
Juneteenth Celebration Day Vendor Application
Interested in being a part of our Juneteenth Celebration Day at the Hempsted Houses on Saturday, June 13, 2026? Please complete the form below to apply to be a vendor. Whether you are a craft vendor, a nonprofit organization, or a food truck, we hope you will consider joining us for a day of celebration, commemoration, and community. Submission of this form does not guarantee acceptance.
Photos by La Chale Renee’ Photography