Juneteenth in Cayuga County:

Juneteenth (June 19) marks the date in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom: more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Known as “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth is a powerful time for reflection, education, and celebration of Black culture, resilience, and achievement.

Here in Cayuga County, we don’t just recognize history—we live it. Auburn, NY, is where Harriet Tubman chose to make her home after emancipating herself from slavery, and where she continued her lifelong fight for freedom and human rights. Her presence left an enduring legacy, making Cayuga County one of the most meaningful places to commemorate Juneteenth. (Don’t just take our word for it—Auburn was named a top destination to celebrate Juneteenth by U.S. News & World Report!)

Walk in the Footsteps of a Freedom Fighter

Celebrate Juneteenth by visiting the landmarks that honor Harriet Tubman’s life and mission. Influencers, historians, and travelers from across the country have come to experience the powerful imprint she left on this community—and we invite you to do the same.

• Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
  Visit the church Harriet Tubman attended and where her funeral service was held in 1913. It’s a powerful place that connects you directly to her mission of service, and community.
• The Harriet Tubman Home
  Walk on the same ground that Harriet Tubman called home. Touch the bricks she helped make, see the restored barn, and the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged—an institution she created to care for those in need.
• Fort Hill Cemetery
  Visit Tubman’s final resting place in Auburn. Her gravesite is a place of quiet honor, reflection, and deep respect.
• Equal Rights Heritage Center
  This dynamic visitor center features interactive exhibits highlighting New York State’s role in civil and human rights movements. It includes a permanent tribute to Harriet Tubman and celebrates other trailblazers in the fight for justice. It’s also a great starting point for your historical tour.
• Seward House Museum
  Tour the home of William H. Seward, Secretary of State under President Lincoln, and his wife Frances. The Sewards were active abolitionists who invited Harriet to Auburn and sold her the land on which she built her home. The Seward House was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, and you can tour the area that was once used on the railroad.
  
  ⭐️In honor of Juneteenth, on Thursday, June 19, the Seward House Museum will offer Free Tours!
  Reservations are recommended for tours on Juneteenth due to limited availability. Tours run at the top of every hour; the first tour begins at 10:00 AM and the final tour begins at 4:00 PM. To make reservations, call the Museum at (315) 252-1283 or click here.

These sites are more than historic landmarks—they are spaces to learn, reflect, and be inspired by the courage of one of America’s greatest heroes.

Public Art Honoring Harriet Tubman

Looking for a unique way to connect with her Harriet Tubman’s legacy? Auburn’s vibrant public art scene offers creative tributes to this iconic freedom fighter.
Enjoy these inspiring installations as you explore downtown Auburn, NY:

• Life Cycle of a Freedom Fighter
  Location: Freedom Park, North Street
  Three metal bicycles represent three different phases of Tubman’s life, offering a creative interpretation of her journey.
  Artist: Audrey Iwanicki
• Her Life in Freedom Mural
  Location: Corner of Genesee Street and North Street
  This powerful mural portrays key moments from Tubman’s life after escaping slavery and celebrates her enduring impact.
  Artist: Arthur Hutchinson
• Statue of Harriet Tubman
  Location: Equal Rights Heritage Center Courtyard, 25 South Street
  A 7.5-foot bronze statue of a young Harriet Tubman in motion, symbolizing her role in leading enslaved people to freedom.
  Artist: Brian Hanlon
• Harriet Tubman Mosaic
  Location: Lincoln Street
  This 5×4 mosaic includes a ceramic border and nameplate, offering a colorful and community-crafted tribute.
  Artists: Anthony Clubine, Jesse Kline, Dave Tobin, and Jen Gandee

📸 Don’t forget to snap a selfie and tag #tourcayuga  and @cayuga_tourism on your social posts!

Juneteenth Celebrations

This year’s Juneteenth celebration takes place at the Booker T. Washington Community Center on Saturday, June 14, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The celebration begins with a parade beginning at  Auburn City Hall on South Street at 11:30 AM and ends at the BTW center just as the festivities begin!

 Enjoy incredible local vendors, food trucks, live music, and more as the community comes together in celebration and unity.

Join Harriet Tubman National Historical Park Lead Ranger Brittany Lane for a Juneteenth Freedom Day Lunch and Learn from 12 to 1 p.m. at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center in downtown Auburn, New York. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information.

Juneteenth Gala…An Evening of Celebration.
Sunet Event Center
Scan QR code for more information.

Cash Bar·Appetizers·Red Carpet Photos…Music by DJ Dolla. Let’s make this an evening to remember…Click on qr code to purchase tickets, tickets are $20 each.

Stay Connected

Keep an eye on our Events Page for updates on Juneteenth celebrations happening throughout Cayuga County. From music and educational talks to community gatherings and family-friendly fun—there’s something for everyone.

Join us this Juneteenth in honoring the past,
celebrating progress, and building a more inclusive future—
right here in the place Harriet Tubman called home for over 50 years!