Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It signifies the day–June 19, 1865–on which the last enslaved people were freed (over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed).
All Town of Wellesley municipal buildings and offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
The Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF) and Wellesley Free Library branches will also be closed.
Wellesley Public Schools will be closed on Juneteenth. The last day of classes will be Monday, June 22, a half day. We predict the faculty-student ratio will skew low on student numbers.
Juneteenth is an official federal holiday, so no mail will be delivered, and federal buildings and most banks will be closed.
Nearby Juneteenth activities include Natick’s public reading of Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”, at 10:30am on Natick Common.
The Juneteenth celebration continues on Saturday, June 20 with Natick Center Cultural District’s Juneteenth event on Natick Common from 11am– 1pm. There will be delicious food by Mig’s Dogs, fun activities, and musical performances by Drum Nomads. All are welcome!
In Needham there will be a recitation of the Emancipation Proclamation, remarks, and reflection in observance of Juneteenth. The event will be held on Town Common, in front of Town Hall, 1471 Hingham Ave., on Friday, June 19, at 9:30am. All are welcome!
YES, sign me up for Swellesley’s free weekday email newsletter
Lovely. Happy Juneteenth!