A Bluffton Community Celebration of Emancipation and Freedom with special guest Joe McGill, founder of The Slave Dwelling Project. June 15-16, 2018 at the Heyward House & Oyster Factory Park. Presented by the The Bluffton MLK Observance Committee and the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society with support from the Town of Bluffton Government.
We are excited to announce that the Society has committed to hosting Joe McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, and a nationally-recognized educator and speaker. McGill will be in Bluffton June 15-16 this year and has attained national acclaim for opening the dialogue about slavery and slave dwellings, and he brings attention to his story by staying overnight in historic slave cabins. Joe’s visit coincides with the Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 16th, at the Oyster Factory Park, where organized activities are planned for that day. Juneteenth is the recognized date of Emancipation, corresponding to the June 19, 1865 date the Emancipation Proclamation was read from the Governor’s veranda in Galveston, Texas. Make plans now to join us for this community celebration!
Friday, June 15th schedule at the Heyward House:
2-4 p.m., FREE Joe McGill presentation and discussion
8-10 p.m. FREE dialogue around the firepit with Joe McGill
10 p.m. Joe McGill Overnight Cabin Sleepover (FREE to first 25 signups)
Saturday, June 16th schedule at Oyster Factory Park:
12-4 p.m., FREE admission, Kids’ Zone, Speakers, Reading of Emancipation Proclamation, Live Music, Voices of El Shaddai, Food & Crafts sales, FREE Tours of Garvin-Garvey Freedman’s Cottage
*June 19, 1865 is the date in history that the Emancipation Proclamation was read from the Governor’s balcony in Galveston, Texas, proclaiming all enslaved people free; now known as a day of reflection, respect and community celebration.
For more information about this event please call the Heyward House at 843-757-6293 or visit their Facebook page.