Falling as they do during observances of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act this year, Juneteenth events at the Atlanta History Center and the Cyclorama this weekend should take on special resonance. Juneteenth commemorates emancipation from slavery in the U.S.
- The Cyclorama's Juneteenth celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20, will include genealogy programs for youths and adults, a performance of "The Order of Freedom," appearances by Civil War re-enactors from the 54th Massachusetts and children's activities.
Free admission includes viewings of the historic painting at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Grant Park, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-658-7625, www.atlantacyclorama.org.
- Juneteenth will be observed at the History Center 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 21 and noon-5 p.m. June 22, with events including in-gallery performances, self-guided exhibition tours, music, genealogy workshops, storytelling and kid-friendly activities.
Guests can view more than 130 items chronicling African-American history and culture, including the Emancipation Proclamation, in “The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Where Art and History Intersect” exhibit. There will be “Meet the Past” in-gallery performances both days (11 and 11:30 a.m. June 21; 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. June 22), including portrayals of history-making figures Ignatius Sancho and Phillis Wheatley.
In the Kennedy Theater (noon and 2 p.m. both days), museumgoers 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, in Galveston, Texas.
Culinary historian Michael Twitty will be showing off historic foodways at Smith Family Farm both days and will give a talk, “The Cooking Gene: Tracing My African American Story Through Food,” at 3 p.m. June 22. And Sweet Auburn BBQ will have lunch items for sale both days.
Event and museum entry is free during Wells Fargo Free Admission Weekend. 130 W. Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta. 404-814-4000, www.atlantahistorycenter.com/family.
