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2007 Juneteenth Exhibit at California State Library June 4 - July 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2007

CONTACT:
Sarah Dalton
California State Library
916/654-1483

2007 Juneteenth Exhibit at California State Library June 4 - July 17

SACRAMENTO -The California State Library, in cooperation with Juneteenth America, will hold a Juneteenth National Freedom Day Exhibit June 4 through July 17, 2007 in the lobby of the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building at 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, California. 

The oldest and only African American holiday in the United States, Juneteenth was first observed June 19, 1865, over two- years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863. On June 19th, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and freed the last slaves in America. Spontaneous celebration erupted throughout the country when African-Americans learned of their freedom.  

Today, Juneteenth National Freedom Day symbolizes freedom, celebrates the abolishment of slavery, and reminds all Americans of the significant contributions of African-Americans to our society.

Among the many historical items in the California State Library Juneteenth exhibit this year will be:

  • The first California printing of the Emancipation Proclamation [San Francisco: B. F. Butler, 1864].
  • A copy of the Thirteenth Amendment.
  • A rare first edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin [Boston : J. P. Jewett, 1852.], Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous work that swept the nation and gave real momentum to the abolitionist movement, fueling the national division that led to the Civil War.
  • Thomas Gilman’s 1852 Bill of Sale [Shaw’s Flat, Tuolumne County, August 17, 1852. Manuscript.] Gilman was one of many African Americans who earned enough money to purchase their freedom during the Gold Rush.
  • Mining Near Auburn Ravine, 1852, theearliest known images of African Americans working in the California gold fields [made from the original daguerreotypes in the California State Library’s collection].
  • Shackles and chains used to hold slaves captive.
  • Prints and illustrations of slave ships.
  • Rare Anti-slavery literature.
  • Manuscripts, books, periodicals, photographs representing accomplishments of 20th century African Americans in California.

Principal Librarian Gary Kurutz of the California State Library is the curator of the Juneteenth exhibit which is open to the public June 4 through July 17, 2007 Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm, excluding holidays.

In addition, in honor of the historical significance of June 19th, a reception for this exhibit will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 from 2:00-4:00pm. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Juneteenth America at (909) 621-9707 or visit http://www.juneteenthamerica.us/.