Juneteenth, celebrated on the 19th of June, is a federal holiday that recognizes the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Read more about the history and significance of this national holiday.
Category Archives: A New Birth of Freedom
Texas Freedom Colonies Project Atlas & Study
Freedom colonies, or towns established by formerly enslaved people, are an important part of Texas history. Read about how this history is being documented and remembered today!
Historian Illuminates Crucial Chapter of Harriet Tubman’s Legacy
Harriet Tubman’s courage extended far beyond the Underground Railroad—she played a crucial role in the largest rebellion of enslaved people in U.S. history. This remarkable chapter of her legacy stands as a powerful example of sacrifice, resilience, and the fight for freedom.
Reconstruction and Its Aftermath
View artifacts from the Reconstruction era, including artworks, pamphlets, maps, and more.
Commemorating and Learning our Shared History: Juneteenth, Emancipation and Afro-Latino Abolitionists
In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, learn more about these prominent Afro-Latino abolitionists and their fight for freedom across the Americas.
Bernice Johnson Reagon, a founder of The Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock, has died
Learn more about the legacy of Bernice Johnson Reagon, remembered for her activism, musicianship, and courage.
Civil War Pioneers: Meet Some of America’s First Female Nurses
Nurses played a crucial role during the Civil War, though many of them faced unsanitary conditions, long hours, and a lack of medical supplies. Learn more about the women who became nurses despite these obstacles.
The “Lieber Code” – The First Modern Codification of the Laws of War
Have you ever heard of the Geneva Conventions? They are a series of treaties that define how many aspects of war are to be conducted–such as the taking of prisoners or treatment of civilians. But did you know the first modern attempt to write rules for warfare actually happened during the Civil War? They were written by Francis Lieber and issued in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln as instructions for what Union soldiers could–and couldn’t–do while waging war in the field.
6 Black Heroes of the Civil War
Read about acts of courage that left a lasting impact during the American Civil War.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Statue of Liberty
Did you know that this famous lady could have ended up in Boston or Philadelphia, or further afield? These ten interesting facts might surprise you.
History Restored: The Untold Story of Black Civil War Soldiers
Most of us have never heard of the Louisiana Native Guards, yet their impact in the American Civil War was tremendous. This History Ph.D. candidate is on a mission to tell their story.
Kentucky Man Finds ‘Hoard’ of Civil War Gold Coins Worth Millions in Cornfield
Extremely rare Civil War era coins both represent and make history. Read about how gold coins discovered in a Kentucky cornfield mark a significant historical moment.
Huston middle-schoolers get tangible Civil War lesson
History lessons over the American Civil War are more engaging than ever as students interact with clothing, toys, and other objects from that era.
The shortest American Civil War summary you’ll ever read
Key dates and events are highlighted in this brief, informative overview of the American Civil War.
What Really Destroyed Tulsa’s Black Wall Street
Read this in-depth article about the Tulsa Massacre.
A century after Harriet Tubman died, scholars try to separate fact from fiction
Harriet Tubman has long been a legend in the fight to abolish slavery in the United States. Recently, scholars have begun to take a closer look at what we think we know about the woman behind the legend.
Professor Says He Has Solved a Mystery Over a Slave’s Novel
Gregg Hecimovich, a professor of English in South Carolina, may have successfully identified the woman who wrote The Bondwoman’s Narrative. The novel is thought to be the first written by an African-American woman. Until now, no one knew the author’s true identity.
New Year’s Eve, Day holds special meaning for Black Americans
Read about the history of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traditions for Black Americans.
Civil Rights Movement
The Emancipation Proclamation did not end racial oppression. Read the Introduction and Background on this web site to learn how African Americans continued to fight for equal rights.
In 1865, thousands of Black South Carolinians signed a 54-foot-long freedom petition
Read about some of the objects on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.