Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF), in coordination with civic leadership and foundational support, announces the launch of a master planning process to establish a national Juneteenth and the state’s official center that strengthens Galveston’s role as the definitive destination for the birthplace of Juneteenth.
The Juneteenth’s Home initiative is a strategic start, through structured collaboration, that will create a transformative project beyond what individual organizations could achieve alone. This approach emphasizes historical substance, meaningful content, financial viability, and long-term sustainability.
Galveston is where Juneteenth began, and where its story continues to live,” explains Alice Gatson, chair of Galveston Historical Foundation’s 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. The deadline for the RFQ is December 15. A Request for Proposals will be sent to selected entities in February 2026, with a final decision made in April 2026. Further details about upcoming phases will be shared after that date. This process will ensure that the realized vision considers diverse voices and perspectives while being a collaborative effort engaging community stakeholders.
Ongoing updates on the effort can be found at juneteenthshome.com.
The partnership leverages GHF’s African American Heritage Committee and the organization’s proven expertise in historic preservation and program development, combining them with community-driven cultural stewardship. GHF has roots dating to 1871 and seven decades of nonprofit experience in museum programming, historic preservation, and community redevelopment and outreach. The foundation’s popular “And Still We Rise” exhibit demonstrates both technical capacity and 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, among others, issued by General Gordon Granger and read at sites throughout the city, announced to the people of Texas that all enslaved people were free. This day, now known as Juneteenth, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day, is one of Galveston Island’s most important historical moments and has been marked by remembrance and celebrations almost every year since.
While Juneteenth is celebrated nationwide, Galveston still lacks a dedicated space that tells tsfshis 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
This effort’s private foundation support demonstrates confidence in this approach while providing crucial seed funding. Funding groups involved in this first phase of the project 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, GHF African American Heritage Committee members Alice Gatson and Tommie Boudreaux, Jason Edwards, Commissioner Stephen Holmes, GHF Executive Director Dwayne Jones, and GHF 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 Juneteenth USA’s Jason Edwards.
LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL SUPPORT
This effort is officially supported by the City of Galveston as well as Juneteenth USA.
The City of Galveston unanimously passed a resolution on June 26 formally expressing support for the development of a museum dedicated to the Juneteenth story, which began in Galveston 160 years ago—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’s Mayor Craig Brown. “That is what makes Juneteenth not only a Galveston event but a national event.”
These efforts follow Representative Terri Leo Wilson’s work in officially recognizing Galveston, in 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 GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a nonprofit entity devoted to historic and maritime and heritage tourism in Galveston County.
GHF’s African American Heritage Committee 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, this committee has dedicated itself to identifying, commemorating, and preserving historic sites important to African Americans and the Galveston community.
