Juneteenth at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters

2024 Juneteenth Gathering

Reginald Gordon

Annual Juneteenth Gathering: Sunday June 14, 2026

Darby Vassall, who was enslaved at birth in this house but lived most of his life in freedom, signed this petition in 1812 in support of public education access for Black student in Boston.

Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street 250 years ago, their descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond.

This free, all-ages event is marking its fifth year in 2025! Denise Washington (#Pop-Up Poetry Series), a descendant of Darby Vassall, has curated the Juneteenth Gathering at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters NHS each year. Join us for the Juneteenth Gathering, A Denise Plays Hard Event, featuring poetry, music, historical displays, family activities, and refreshments. All are welcome!

Event Details

4:00-5:00 pm Gathering
Music by DJ Steve Gousby, refreshments, activities, StoryWalk, and community partner scavenger hunt

5:00-7:00 pm Juneteenth # Pop-Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event

• Speakers
• Presentation of Colors, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
  Regiment Co. A
• Juneteenth #Pop Up Poetry, A Denise Plays Hard Event
  • Gather/Didadi
  • Procession/Bolon
  • The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
  • A Medley of Poetry written and performed by Denise Washington
    & The #Pop-Up Poetry Ensemble

Additional details coming soon

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Click here to learn more about Cuba, Dinah, Malcolm, William, and three children: James and two “small boys” whose names are currently unknown. These seven people were enslaved by John Vassall at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge prior to the American Revolution, seized their freedom, and built a legacy of activism.

Duration:

6 minutes, 18 seconds

A family rediscovers the stories of their enslaved ancestors as they explore and reflect at three sites in Boston: Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, Royall House & Slave Quarters, and Christ Church Cambridge.