In a world where revolutionary ideas did not always lead to revolutionary realities, what did the promise of freedom mean for free and enslaved African Americans in Revolutionary-era Connecticut? Join Hempsted Houses staff and a panel of historians and community members as we explore the paradox of liberty in New London County, examining historical records, resistance, and lived experiences to better understand how the struggle for freedom shaped the past— and continues to shape our present.

Admission is FREE, with a suggested donation of $10 per person to support programming at the Hempsted Houses.

Advance registration is available, but walk-ins are welcome! 

If you have any questions, contact hempsted@ctlandmarks.org. 

CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing system to access your benefits.

Pastor Michael Cagle leads participants in community for a spiritual and lively non-denominational church service under the Juneteenth Festival tent.

Registration not required.

This program is part of the Hempsted Houses’ Juneteenth Festival. See the full list of events here.

Supported in part by: The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc.

In partnership with: New London NAACP and OIC New London

This program takes place outdoors. If you have any questions, contact hempsted@ctlandmarks.org. 

CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing system to access your benefits.

Celebrate Juneteenth with music and dance performances, living history presentations, local vendors, and children’s activities and crafts. Connecticut Landmarks and partners will highlight the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding neighborhood with the City of New London.

Registration appreciated, but walk-ups always welcome! 

Supported in part by: The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc.

In partnership with: New London NAACP and OIC New London

This program takes place outdoors. In case of cancellation due to severe weather, registrants will be notified at the email address on file. If you have any questions, contact Site Administrator Lynette Fisher at hempsted@ctlandmarks.org. 

CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing system to access your benefits.

Gather around the campfire for a community conversation on the grounds of the Hempsted Houses to commemorate historic and present-day struggles toward freedom and hear more about the work of Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project and Tammy Denease of Hidden Women Productions.

Registration appreciated, but walk-ups always welcome! 

This program is part of the Hempsted Houses’ Juneteenth Festival. See the full list of events here.

Supported in part by: The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc

In partnership with: New London NAACP and OIC New London

This program takes place outdoors. In case of cancellation due to severe weather, registrants will be notified at the email address on file. If you have any questions, contact Site Administrator Lynette Fisher at hempsted@ctlandmarks.org. 

CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing system to access your benefits.

Our Juneteenth Celebration commemorates the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War. Partnering with the New London NAACP and OIC New London, the Hempsted Houses are home to this yearly community event highlighting the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding New London neighborhood. Join us as we engage in activities encouraging conversations about emancipation, cultural awareness, and civic responsibility.

Registration appreciated, but walk-ups always welcome! 

Supported in part by: The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc.

In partnership with: New London NAACP, OIC, and the New London County Historical Society

This program takes place outdoors. In case of cancellation due to severe weather, registrants will be notified at the email address on file. If you have any questions, contact Site Administrator Lynette Fisher at hempsted@ctlandmarks.org. 

CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing system to access your benefits.

Pastor Michael Cagle leads participants in community for a spiritual and lively non-denominational church service followed by performances by The Jim Hunter Jazz Group and the New London Public Schools Bands.

Registration not required.

This program is part of the Hempsted Houses’ Juneteenth Festival. See the full list of events here.

Supported in part by: The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, the Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc, and Connecticut Explored, Inc.  

In partnership with: New London NAACP, OIC, and the New London County Historical Society

This program takes place outdoors. If you have any questions, contact Site Administrator Lynette Fisher at hempsted@ctlandmarks.org. 

CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing system to access your benefits.

Celebrate Juneteenth with music and dance performances, living history presentations, and children’s activities and crafts. Connecticut Landmarks and partners will highlight the African American history of the Hempsted Houses and the surrounding neighborhood with the City of New London.

Schedule of the day’s activities:

10:45 am – Drumming led by Kenny “Doc” Frazier
11:15 am – Presentation of Colors – NLHS ROTC
11:30 am – Welcome – Curtis Goodwin
12:00 noon – NLHS Voices United
12:30 pm – Keynote Speaker – Lonnie Braxton
1:30 pm – Joan Jackson – Tammy Denease
2:00 pm – Book Reading – Carrie McWilliams
3:00 pm – Poetry Reading – Arnell Peck

Registration appreciated, but walk-ups always welcome! 

This program is part of the Hempsted Houses’ Juneteenth Festival. See the full list of events here.

Supported in part by: The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, the Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc, and Connecticut Explored, Inc.  

In partnership with: New London NAACP, OIC, and the New London County Historical Society

This program takes place outdoors. In case of cancellation due to severe weather, registrants will be notified at the email address on file. If you have any questions, contact Site Administrator Lynette Fisher at hempsted@ctlandmarks.org. 

CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing system to access your benefits.