Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth will be observed with a weekend of free activities at the Atlanta History Center, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
Events include museum-theater performances, dance (Manga African Dance performs at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday), music (members of Atlanta's African American Philharmonic Orchestra play at 1 p.m. Sunday), storytelling and kid-friendly activities. Self-guided audio tours of "Turning Point," the largest Civil War exhibition in the Southeast, will be available.
At the Smith Family Farm (noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, 12:30 and 2 p.m. Sunday), museum-goers can take in "The Order of Freedom," scripted by History Center playwright Addae Moon, about a couple's journey from slavery to citizenship after Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger delivered General Orders No. 3 (the Emancipation Proclamation) on June 19, 1865.
There also will be "Meet the Past" performances both days where you can make the acquaintance of Union spy Mary Bowser, who worked for the estate of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
Talks and demonstrations will highlight how the enslaved community shaped Southern food traditions. And Jim 'N Nicks BBQ will among the foods available for purchase around lunchtime both days.
Free. 130 W. Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta. 404-814-4000, www.atlantahistorycenter.com/family.
