Happy Juneteenth! Today marks the third year in which Juneteenth has been recognized as a federal holiday. However, this holiday has been observed for over 150 years. This weekend in Washington D.C. tourists and visitors had the opportunity to view the Emancipation Proclamation on display in the National Archives Museum. This historical document is one of the most significant documents in U.S. History. The National Archives Foundation hosted an invite-only event on Saturday, June 17, 2023, where it was announced that the Emancipation Proclamation will be on permanent display for visitors.

The Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan announced that the Emancipation Proclamation will be on displayed in the National Archives Rotunda. Visitors will be able to view the Emancipation Proclamation alongside the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence by the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
 
The National Archives has been my favorite research repository for over a decade. My first trip to the Archives research room dates back to 2011, when I discovered my great-great-great grandfather fought in Civil War while serving in the United States Colored Troops.
 
I feel fortunate to share some photos of the Emancipation Proclamation, the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Juneteenth General Order No. 3. These historical documents on display are the original documents. Due to the age of these documents, photography is strictly prohibited. Thank you to the National Archives Foundation for providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for attendees to capture this moment in history on camera.

Special shout out to one of my favorite genealogists, Ray Cousins for extending an invite to this momentous event. Last year, Ray Cousins and Shaquan McDowell presented a virtual lecture entitled A Path to the Past: Finding Family at the Archives which was moderated by acclaimed journalist and author, A’Lelia Bundles. Bundles, who is a board member for the National Archives Foundation has been incredibly supportive of the next generation of genealogists and family historians. Over two decades ago, she published a book entitled, On Her Own Ground about her great-great grandmother, Madam C.J. Walker, which was recently adapted into the Netflix mini-series Self Made.

There were several board members in attendance including Former United States Secretary of Transportation, Rodney Slater. The National Archives Foundation’s Executive Director, Patrick Madden and Deputy Executive Director, Jim Doumas took time to talk with all the attendees at the Creator Day Event. Many of the attendees who were invited were content creators who specialize in either history, genealogy, local attractions, or a combination of all three areas.

Some of the content creators and scholars who were in attendance were Michelle Taylor (@michellenumi), Ray Cousins (@erybodylovesray), Garrison Hayes (@garrisonh), Cory Bradford (@this_is_cory91), Dr. Ashley Buchanan (@historyinhighheels), Lauleh Aslani (@adayinthelalz), Alex Edgar (@alex_edgar03), Morgan Fray (@morgsvstheworld), and Dara Tucker (@daratuckerb). Please make sure to check out and follow their social media pages.

Again, thank you The National Archives Foundation (@archivesfdn) for facilitating this event. You can stay up to date with the National Archives Foundation by following them across all social media channels and signing up for their mailing list.