Ancestral Bridges Celebrates Annual Juneteenth Heritage Event With Day-long Celebration and Historical Events

Ancestral Bridges, a local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, will host its fourth annual Juneteenth Heritage Event on June 15 with a day-long celebration that touches on local historic Black military service, education, housing, and civil rights. The day’s theme is titled “Chains to Change: Honoring Amherst’s Everyday Heroes,” and promises a range of activities and exhibits for all ages.

On Saturday, June 15, families, residents, and visitors from near and far are invited to immerse themselves in the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of Amherst’s Black and Indigenous residents spanning over 200 years of history. Starting in Amherst’s historic West Cemetery at 11 AM, the Juneteenth events will feature a Civil War-era reenactment followed by a walking tour with stops at the Amherst Woman’s Club, the Emily Dickinson Museum, and Hope Church. Each stop will include speakers, exhibits, and family-friendly activities; no tickets are required for these free events. The story walk at the Emily Dickinson Museum is sponsored by the Friends of the Jones Libraries.

The day will end with an inaugural story slam at The Drake, Amherst’s local performing arts and music venue. Featuring diverse storytellers from Amherst and the wider Connecticut River Valley, the story slam will inspire with its celebration of heritage, culture, and the human spirit. The storytelling event begins at 7 PM, but doors open at 6 PM; tickets can be reserved on The Drake’s website (suggested donation of $19).

Ancestral Bridges’ Amherst Juneteenth Heritage Event is a family-friendly event designed to celebrate and educate. Details for those who wish to attend the Saturday, June 15 public event are below (schedule is subject to change; visit ancestral-bridges.org or facebook.com/ancestralbridges for more information).

‍

What: Ancestral Bridges Juneteenth Heritage Event, “Chains to Change: Honoring Amherst’s Everyday Heroes”; free to all, no tickets needed except for the story slam at The Drake.

‍When: Day-time events begin at 11 AM and conclude at 4 PM; story slam begins at 7 PM.

‍Where: First stop is West Cemetery, Triangle Street, Amherst, Massachusetts; additional stops (in order) include Amherst Woman’s Club where lunch will be served (35 Triangle Street), The Emily Dickinson Museum (280 Main Street), and Hope Church (16 Gaylord Street). Story slam and refreshments at The Drake (44 N. Pleasant Street).

‍Who: Open to the public

‍Details: Transportation is available for those with limited mobility; meet at Amherst Regional High School at 10:30 AM.

‍