Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site will host its first Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Sunday, June 11, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., in cooperation with the Black History Collective of Henderson County. The event will be held at the amphitheater and feature poetry, music, and art demonstrations. A shuttle will transport people from the Main parking lot to the amphitheater, which has bench seating. Visitors are also welcome to bring lawn chairs.
Juneteenth marks the June 19, 1865, date when enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation. Recognized by Texas as a state holiday since 1980, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. To learn more, visit Juneteenth National Independence Day (U.S. National Park Service).
Presenters include Antoine Fletcher from the African American Experiences in the Smokies Project; Christopher D. Sims, a poet, activist and spoken word performer; and Crystal Cauley, a creative writer, spoken word poet and African American advocate.
In addition, visitors can view new outdoor exhibits throughout the park which feature pre-Sandburg history. Many of the site’s historic structures were built in the 1800s, partially through the labor of enslaved Africans. After emancipation, many continued working at the site and nearby. The new outdoor exhibits, online, and the site’s first community Juneteenth festival help recognize this history.
“Telling the stories of African American residents and workers honors their lives and promotes Sandburg’s legacy as the poet of the people, as a Civil War historian, and as a civil rights champion,” said Superintendent Polly Angelakis.
Shuttle and Parking
There are three parking options available: the Main parking lot, located on Little River Road 1/10 mile from Greenville Highway; the Village of Flat Rock Parking lot on Greenville Hwy; and the Hikers’ parking lot, located approximately 1 mile down Little River Road. Visitors with accessibility needs should pull into the Main parking lot and stop by the accessible parking spaces where a ranger will provide assistance. Other non-accessible parking lots are available in Flat Rock.
June 11 Sandburg Home Tours During the festival free, first come, first served tours of the Sandburg Home will be available at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are available in the Visitor Center/Park Store in the ground floor of the Sandburg Home. The Visitor Center/Park Store will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information on non-festival house tour reservations, please visit www.recreation.gov.
Learn more about Black history at this historic site below:
