Celebrate

Live Virtual Panel Discussion with Annette Gordon-Reed, OCAAHS, & Montpelier

June 2, 2021 at 7 PM via Zoom (Free). In On Juneteenth, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed tells the  story of Juneteenth’s importance to American history. Joining Annette Gordon-Reed in conversation will be members of Montpelier staff and OCAAHS.  Sponsored by the National Archives. Watch here!

Live Virtual Concert with Calvin Earl

June 17, 2021 at 7PM via Zoom (Free). Acclaimed musician and storyteller, Calvin Earl creates programs that connect the history of America’s musical heritage to its roots in African American Spirituals. Watch here!

The Art of Storytelling Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, 2021 11am-12:30pm In Person & via YouTube (Free). The Arts Center will be hosting a special story telling event in honor of Juneteenth with Dr. Dena Jennings and Michael Carter, Jr.  Dr. Jennings will share her family history (and her journey to connect with that history) through the song Camp Nelson Blues. Mr. Carter will share the stories of his family’s farm and the contributions of Africans and African Americans to agriculture. Register to to attend in person here or watch virtually here.

From the Archives Exhibit

From the Archives is a multimedia display in the front window of The Arts Center in Orange (129 E Main Street, Orange, VA map) featuring news articles drawn from the archives of the OCAAHS, and an excerpt from “Discovering Little Petersburg,” a documentary about the history of the freed slave community outside the Town of Orange.

Baile African Drum Works

The mission of Baile African Drum Works is to provide community access to traditional African arts. They specialize in the making and playing of traditional African musical Instruments. Baile begins each Juneteenth with a traditional Libation Ceremony at the Enslave Cemetery.

Dena Jennings

Executive Director of Imani Works, Dr. Jennings is a physician, Master Naturalist, musician, and lecturer. She is an expert gourd banjo builder. At Juneteenth, Dr. Jennings performs musical numbers and leads the local Boys & Girls Club in educational musical performances.

Live Virtual Book Talk with Glenda Armand

June 10, 2021 at 7 PM via Zoom (Free). Glenda Armand has been a teacher and school librarian for many years. She writes historical fiction and picture book biographies for children. Ms. Armand will be sharing her award winning book, Love Twelve Miles Long, which tells the story of Frederick Douglass boyhood and his mother’s journey to be with him. Watch here!

Live Virtual Documentary Screening & Q&A

June 24, 2021 at 7PM via Zoom (Free). Resilience, Recovery, and Rebirth is a documentary about Fluvanna County’s African American history. Regular Juneteenth performers Odyssey of Soul teamed up with the Fluvanna County Arts Council and NAACP to create a film that combines musical performances and interviews with community members and historians. Watch panel discussion here!

Open Exhibitions at Montpelier

June 19, 2021 9am-3pm. In honor of Juneteenth, Montpelier will open its award-winning exhibition The Mere Distinction of Colour, the South Yard structures, the Gilmore Cabin, and 1910 Train Depot . This will also be the grand opening of Colour Through a Child’s Eyes exhibition. Free for Orange County Residents and Montpelier Descendants, property pass required for all other visitors.

Artist Darrell Rose

Percussionist and painter, Darrell Rose is renowned for teaching many thousands of children over a long career. As a drummer, he is an Artist in Residence for the Virginia Commission for the Arts and performs in many rock, jazz, African, Latin, and reggae genres.

Adwela & the Uprising

Adwela & the Uprising is a seven-piece award-winning roots reggae band based out of Virginia. Drawing local fans to Juneteenth, Adwela & the Uprising tours nationally performing music with soul-stirring lyrics that adhere to the artists’ principle of “message over popularity.”

Hortense Hinton-Jackson

Dr. Hinton-Jackson serves as the emcee of the Juneteenth Celebration. She also performs as a soloist, leading the crowd in “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Dr. Hinton-Jackson is the Executive Consultant for Women in Worship Ministries and is a trustee, speaker, soloist, choir director, and worship leader at her home church.

Virtual Wreath Laying at the Montpelier Enslaved Cemetery

June 19, 2021 (Free). Virtually join members OCAAHS as they honor the enslaved people of Montpelier in a private wreath laying ceremony. A recording of this private event will be posted here on June 19, 2021. Watch here!

Montpelier Enslaved Community Walking Tours

June 19, 2021 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. In celebration of Juneteenth, Montpelier will be offering three specialized tours about the enslaved community at Montpelier and their journey to freedom. Free for Orange County Residents and Montpelier Descendants, property pass required for all other visitors.

Culinary Expert Leni Sorensen

Dr. Leni Sorensen is a culinary historian and teacher of home provisioning and rural life skills. The dynamic owner of Indigo House (a farm where she raises animals and cultivates produce to serve at her chef’s table dinners and for cooking lessons), Dr. Sorensen is a PhD and expert in 18th- and 19th-century cooking methods used by Virginia housewives and slaves.

Odyssey of Soul

Odyssey of Soul is a group that performs “lecture concerts” focusing on African American music and culture. A crowd favorite at Juneteenth, Odyssey of Soul always delivers a dynamic performance.

Shady Grove Baptist Church Men’s Choir

Established in 1872, the Shady Grove Baptist Church is a cornerstone of the African American community in Orange. The Shady Grove Men’s Choir performs as part of the church’s music ministry, spreading the word of God through song. Each Juneteenth the Men’s Choir closes the celebration with their powerful renditions of classic gospel songs.