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emancipation

DC Emancipation Day
 

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What is Emancipation Day?

The DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 ended slavery in Washington, DC, freed 3,100 individuals, reimbursed those who had legally owned them and offered the newly freed women and men money to emigrate. It is this legislation, and the courage and struggle of those who fought to make it a reality, that we commemorate every April 16, DC Emancipation Day.

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Apr 10 2024
Mayor Bowser to Host 2024 DC Emancipation Day Festivities
(Washington, DC) – Starting on Sunday, April 14, Mayor Muriel Bowser will kick off annual DC...
Apr 7 2017
Mayor Bowser Announces 2017 Emancipation Day Festivities
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off the celebration of the 155th...
Apr 15 2016
Scheduled Street Closures: 2016 Emancipation Day Parade
The Metropolitan Police Department and the Department of Transportation would like to inform the...
Apr 13 2016
Mayor Bowser Announces 2016 Emancipation Day Festivities
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans to commemorate Emancipation Day...
Apr 12 2016
A Letter from Councilmember Vincent Orange
Very warm greetings to all assembled today, in Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital, for an...

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DC Emancipation

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John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 419, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 727-6306
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150th Anniversary of the EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION at the National Archives

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The original document is on display for a limited time. The commemoration will include extended viewing hours, inspirational music, a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and family activities and entertainment for all ages.

EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION VIEWING -  3  days only:  Sunday, December 30, 2012, 10am to 5pm.  Monday, December 31st, 2012, 10am to 1am (extended hours); and Tuesday, January 1, 2013, 10am to 5pm.  

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