Juneteenth Weekend Celebration

As part of the Juneteenth weekend of remembrance and celebration, Unmarked Graves invites the community to gather at the cemetery for a powerful, reflective experience that brings history to life.

Set alongside the cemetery ribbon-cutting ceremony, this event creates space to honor the lives and legacy of African Americans whose stories have too often gone untold. Through storytelling and interpretation, “tombstones” will speak—offering glimpses into the lived experiences, contributions, and resilience of those laid to rest, even when records are incomplete or names are lost.

This experience connects the national significance of Juneteenth—the celebration of freedom—with the local history embedded in the land. The cemetery itself stands as a reminder of inequities of the past, where Black individuals were often buried in less visible or less valued spaces. By gathering here, we acknowledge that history while uplifting the enduring impact of those who came before us.

Unmarked Graves is more than a historical program—it is a moment of collective reflection, recognition, and respect. As part of a broader Juneteenth weekend that includes community gathering, service, and celebration, this event helps deepen our understanding of freedom, legacy, and community.

Join us as we listen, learn, and honor the voices that still speak.

In partnership with Landmark Columbus, Columbus Parks and Recreation, Bartholomew County Historical Society, NAACP Bartholomew Co.