New Initiative to Develop Texas’ Official Juneteenth History Center Announced in Galveston

GALVESTON, TX (October 16, 2025) – Galveston Historical Foundation’s African American Heritage Committee (AAHC), in coordination with civic leadership and foundational support, today announced the launch of Juneteenth's Home – an initiative to develop a national Juneteenth center and the state’s official home for Juneteenth history in Galveston, the holiday's birthplace.

Juneteenth’s Home is a strategic, community‑driven initiative designed to build a transformative project beyond what any single organization could achieve alone. The effort emphasizes historical substance, meaningful content, financial viability, and long‑term sustainability.

“Galveston is where Juneteenth began, and where its story continues to live,” said Alice Gatson, chair of the African American Heritage Committee. “Juneteenth’s Home brings a place of permanence, pride, and reflection for all who seek to honor freedom’s promise.”

A Request for Qualifications for a master planning partner will be released on November 3, 2025, with responses due December 15. Selected entities will receive a Request for Proposals in February 2026, and a final decision will be made in April 2026. Additional details about subsequent phases will be shared following that date. This process ensures that the realized vision reflects diverse voices and perspectives through collaborative engagement with community stakeholders.

The African American Heritage Committee’s leadership is strengthened by GHF’s proven expertise in historic preservation, museum programming, and community‑based cultural stewardship. Founded in 1871, GHF brings seven decades of nonprofit experience in preservation, interpretation, and redevelopment. The foundation’s acclaimed “And Still We Rise” exhibit demonstrates both technical capacity and a deep commitment to authentic storytelling about Juneteenth’s historical and contemporary significance.

About Juneteenth

General Orders No. 3 was issued on June 19, 1865. The orders, read at sites throughout Galveston by General Gordon Granger and his troops, announced that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This day—now known as Juneteenth, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day—is one of Galveston’s most important historical moments and has been commemorated almost every year since.

While Juneteenth is celebrated nationwide, Galveston still lacks a dedicated space that tells this story in full. Establishing an official and national location will provide a lasting resource for education, reflection, and heritage tourism, ensuring that visitors and residents alike can engage directly with the origins and legacy of Juneteenth.

Steering Committee and Supporting Funding Groups

Private foundation support for this effort demonstrates confidence in the approach and provides essential seed funding. Funding partners for this first phase of seeking a master-planning parter include: the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, Moody Foundation, The Permanent Endowment Fund of Moody Methodist Church, Ippolito Charitable Foundation, Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund, and Sasser Family Foundation.

Key civic and community leaders include Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, Galveston Councilwoman Sharon Lewis, African American Heritage Committee members Alice Gatson and Tommie Boudreaux, Jason Edwards of Juneteenth USA, and GHF Executive Director Dwayne Jones and President Clay Rogers.

“This project continues the work of my late father, State Representative Al Edwards, who always recognized Galveston as the epicenter of Juneteenth recognition and historical remembrance, as it is the holiday’s rightful birthplace,” states Jason Edwards of Juneteenth USA.

Local, State & National Support

This effort is officially supported by the City of Galveston and Juneteenth USA.

On June 26, the City of Galveston unanimously passed a resolution expressing formal support for the development of a museum dedicated to the Juneteenth story—recognizing Galveston’s unique role as the birthplace of Juneteenth and the importance of preserving, illuminating, and amplifying this transformative chapter on a national stage.

“Juneteenth not only recognizes freedom from slavery but also the right and importance of freedom for everyone,” shares Galveston Mayor Craig Brown. “That is what makes Juneteenth not only a Galveston event but a national event.”

These efforts build on Representative Terri Leo Wilson’s work in officially recognizing Galveston, through House Concurrent Resolution No. 6, as the “Official Juneteenth Capital of Texas,” and securing $7 million in funding during the 89th Legislative Session for future development.

About the African American Heritage Committee

The African American Heritage Committee, an entity of the Galveston Historical Foundation, was established in 2002 at the 1859 Ashton Villa, when more than forty community members gathered with a shared passion for preserving the island’s Black history. Since its founding, the committee has dedicated itself to identifying, commemorating, and preserving historic sites important to African Americans and the Galveston community.