FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Allen County Public Library’s (ACPL) Rolland Center for Lincoln Research and the Friends of the Lincoln Collection invite the community to celebrate Juneteenth with engaging and educational events, including the annual Rolland Lecture Series presentation and a free “Teacher Field Trip” designed especially for educators, and an exhibit featuring the inkwell used to sign the Emancipation Proclamation (on display for a limited time).
“On Juneteenth, it is important to remember the sacrifices of enslaved African Americans and honor those who fought for their freedom. Through the panel discussion and the educators’ program afterward we strive to bring this history to life, connecting across generations,” said Curt Witcher, ACPL’s Director of Special Collections. “It’s a day of celebration, learning, and connection.”
ACPL representatives released the following;
The Juneteenth activities will take place on Thursday, June 19 at the Main Library.
2025 Rolland Lecture “The Emancipation Proclamation Comes to Indiana”
June 19 at 3 p.m. in the Main Library Theater
The Friends of the Lincoln Collection, in partnership with the Black Chamber Fort Wayne, invite all to a panel discussion with community leaders, educators, and historians about the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation, how one of the original copies came to Indiana, and how the Rolland Center’s Lincoln Legacy Curriculum continues to teach its meaning.
Panelists include: George Hicks, Jr., CEO of Fort Wayne United; Joe Jordan, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club; Susannah Koerber, Chief Curator and Research Officer for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites; and Sarah Schoolman, Educational Outreach Coordinator for the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research.
Free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged at acpl.info/rollandlecture.
Juneteenth Field Trip for Teachers
June 19 immediately following the Rolland Lecture at approximately 4:15 p.m. in the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research.
Educators will be celebrated and supported as they prepare for the new school year. Attendees will explore immersive history resources from ACPL’s Special Collections and learn about classroom partnership opportunities. Participants will receive giveaways and be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card.
Free and open to teachers/educators. Pre-registration is encouraged HERE
Rolland Center for Lincoln Research Exhibit “April 1865” and Inkwell
Complementing the Rolland Center’s new exhibit exploring the 160th anniversary of the fall of Richmond, the surrender at Appomattox, and Lincoln’s assassination, the actual inkwell Lincoln used when signing the Emancipation Proclamation will be on display for Juneteenth.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during normal library hours.
For more information on Juneteenth programming, CLICK HERE
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