Freedom Day

Join us as we honor Freedom Day, known as Juneteenth and Emancipation Day, to commemorate the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

There is no charge to visit Shirley on Saturday, June 18th, 2022. Explore our Enslavement Exhibit located in the Kitchen Building, and make sure to view “A Peculiar Institution”, our video exhibit.

Our Enslavement Walking Tour will be held at 12 pm and 2 pm at no charge. Learn about the history of enslavement and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked at Shirley. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, and their enslaved descendants, to the many facets of their labor roles, where and how they lived, and what happened to them.

The first floor of the home will be open and observing silence to encourage guests who wish to enter quiet time to reflect and honor the lives of the individuals who were once enslaved at Shirley. We ask all guests that enter the first floor to observe silence and save any questions or comments until outside the home.

Admission Includes:

• Enslavement Walking Tours offered at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
• Self-guided touring of property
• Opportunity to enter the first floor of the Great House with an observation of silence to honor the lives of individuals once enslaved at Shirley
• Audio Tour
• Exhibits
• Gift Shop
• Nature Walk

Shirley’s enslavement walking tours are funded in part through a grant approved by the Americana Corner Grant Program.

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