Black and white periodical illustration of a large crowd of African Americans celebrating the abolition of slavery in Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress. LC-USZ62-33937

D.C. Emancipation Day

Thursday, April 11, 2024

7-8 p.m. ET
Free | Webinar
Accessible
Register

On April 16, 1862, a full eight months before President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Emancipation Proclamation, a little-known law secured freedom for over 3,000 people in the District of Columbia. From that time, April 16 has been remembered as Emancipation Day in the hearts of Washingtonians and has become a public holiday. This program will explore the history and legacy of this landmark day: how did anti-slavery forces in Washington fight against slavery in the years before the Civil War? How did the crucible of politics and war shape freedom in the nation’s capital? Ford’s Education, National Park Service Ranger Jacob Sawyer and genealogist Stephen Hammond will take viewers on a journey through emancipation records to reveal the stories of real people who were in the vanguard of freedom during the Civil War.

This program is part of History Talks, a webinar series that explores facets of Abraham Lincoln’s complex Legacy and its relevance to today. These engaging talks, designed for history enthusiasts of all ages, feature compelling visuals with content experts delving into Lincoln’s legacy and the world of Civil War Washington.