Mayhew Cabin to Host Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 23rd

June 20, 2018, 4 a.m. ·

Join state historians and the Nebraska community on Saturday, June 23rd at Mayhew Cabin in Nebraska City for the Juneteenth Celebration. Juneteenth is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of American slavery.

Juneteenth dates back to June 19th, 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce slavery was over. This was in reference to the Emancipation Proclamation being enacted two and a half years earlier. Mayhew Cabin is the first Underground Railroad site in the state of Nebraska and serves as a great reminder of the struggle that slaves faced when fighting for freedom.

Saturday’s event will include a music program, a reading of the governor’s proclamation of the holiday’s significance and a portrayal of former President Ulysses Grant.

Volunteer Director, Bill Hayes, hopes the public will come out to learn more about the history of our state and the importance of Juneteenth.

“Just take away, hey there was people that stood, really against their government to try and do what they felt was the right thing, and compelled to do the right thing to help other people to have a better life,” Hayes said.

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is free.