Reading Frederick Douglas Together at Aptucxet
A Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Wednesday, June 19th
Time: 5:00PM – 7:30PM
Location: Aptucxet Trading Post Museum

The Bourne Historical Society, in partnership with the Bourne-Wareham Race Amity Group and the Jonathan Bourne Public Library, is pleased to host “Reading Frederick Douglass Together at Aptucxet” on Wednesday evening, June 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum. This event is made possible by a generous grant from Mass Humanities, funded by the Mass Cultural Council.

Community members are invited to a Juneteenth celebration at Aptucxet which will include a communal reading and discussion of Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”  Join us in celebrating Juneteenth by bringing Frederick Douglass’s enduring words to life and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history.

Event Highlights:
Cook out and Picnic Supper: Enjoy a family style cookout picnic supper on the Aptucxet grounds. While picnic tables are available, attendees are welcome to bring blankets, chairs and a dessert or side dish to share. The Bourne Historical Society will provide freshly grilled hot dogs, Italian sausages, vegan sausages, beverages, and dessert.

Community Reading and Discussion: Join fellow community members in reading and reflecting on Douglass’s impactful words. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate as readers. Sign up in advance by email: BourneHistoricalSociety@comcast.net.

Children’s Activities: A Story Walk, storybook corner, and craft activities will be available to engage and entertain children, making this a family-friendly event.

This event commemorates Juneteenth and celebrates the enduring legacy of Frederick Douglass, a man who escaped slavery, was an influential abolitionist, and one of the most celebrated public speakers of his time. His speech, delivered on July 5, 1852, to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society, continues to resonate with its profound insights into freedom and equality.

Interested in being one of our Readers?  Readers will be selected in advance so if you would like to read, please email BourneHistoricalSociety@comcast.net. Copies of Douglass’s speech will be provided to all participants.