New Britain Museum of American Art Hosting Access for All Community Day for Juneteenth
The New Britain Museum of American Art is hosting a Juneteenth Access for All Community Day, saying, “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the New Britain Museum of American Art. For this occasion, the Museum is partnering with the City of New Britain in hosting this event!”
“This day-long event features artistic performances on the Showmobile, outdoor activities, in-gallery experiences, cARTie mobile art gallery, and of course artmaking,” the Museum says. “Shop from local Black-owned businesses, support independent artists, and grab a bite from regional food trucks”
The Museum says that the event, starting on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00am, has, “Free Admission all day!“
The schedule of events includes,
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | DJ MDot starts the music on the Showmobile
12 p.m. | Anthem sung by Aleecya, flag raising, and welcome remarks
12:45 p.m. | Performance by Dejave Dance
1:15 p.m. | Mayor’s Address and Keynote Address by Jamelle Elliott, Assistant Coach of the UConn Women’s Basketball Team
1:30 | Performance TBD
1:50 p.m. | Performance by Aleecya
2:10 p.m. | Performance by the “Open Mic” finalists
2:40 p.m. | Performance by the CT Slam Team
The Museum says it, “was one of the earliest institutions, if not the first, to hold a Juneteenth celebration in New Britain. In 2001, in collaboration with its African American Advisory Committee, the Museum worked with New Britain residents to host a celebration for the holiday.”
In addition to the schedule of events, the Museum says that the celebration will feature,
Vendor Tables:
Bar of Thoughts
Designs by Jackii
The New Britain Public Library
Cecilia Imports
Pretty Afrika Designs
Shantel Butler Cruise Planners
Neighborhood Housing Services of New Britain
InaScents Natural Products
Notes of Beauty LLC
Kaydrawsy Art
Throughout the Day Activities:
Draw Together Strangers
John Hitchcock Mobile Silkscreen Printing (tote bags)
Photo Taking Area Inspired by Lorraine O’Grady’s Art Is…
Meet Jamelle Elliott
Self-Guided Activity Sheets for the Galleries
cARTie Art Bus
New Britain Library Van
Seaside Creamery Ice Cream Truck
The Museum credits Ms Paulette Fox with bringing the celebration to New Britain and quotes her saying,
We created Juneteenth to represent not just what African Americans went through, but we connected with other cultures like the Polish community, the Asian communities, the Latino community—so that people could celebrate their own cultures while coming together on Juneteenth. Together, they could experience the historical significance of what African Americans went through.
More information is available at the New Britain Museum of American Art website.
