The Significance of Juneteenth with Dr. Spencer R. Crew

On-site program, Daniels Auditorium, North Carolina Museum of History         
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Speaker: Dr. Spencer R. Crew, Interim Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution

What is Juneteenth, and why is it important?

Although the history of Juneteenth began in Texas in 1865, observances marking the event have spread across the nation. How that occurred and its increasing significance in the present is a fascinating and inspiring story. In this special presentation, Spencer R. Crew will explore the historical legacy of Juneteenth and what it means for all Americans today.

Crew has worked in public history institutions for more than 30 years. He is currently the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of History at George Mason University and emeritus director of the National Museum of African American History and the National Museum of American History (NMAH).

Before his work at the university, he served as president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for six years and worked at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution for 20 years. For nine of those years, he served as the director of NMAH. He served as the interim director at the National Museum of African American History and Culture from July 2019 until January 2021. At each of those institutions, he sought to make history accessible to the public through innovative and inclusive exhibitions and public programs.  

Crew has published extensively in the areas of African American and Public History. He also has curated numerous exhibitions, the most recent one titled Make Good the Promises: Reconstruction and Its Legacies. His most recent book is Thurgood Marshall: A Life in American History.

In addition to his museum career, Crew is an Organization of American Historians (OAH) distinguished lecturer.

The Museum Shop will be open from 6 to 7 p.m. on the evening of the program.