Browse Items (8 total)

Movement to reinvigorate enthusiasm for remembering and honoring this Act reemerged in 1991 thanks in part to efforts of Loretta Carter Haynes. Through her work parades began again in 2002 and have continued each year since. On April 5, 2005 the…

These photos represent a small snap shot of the multitude of various events and activities that occur each ear in the District of Columbia to celebrate their official holiday - Emancipation Day.

Senator Blanche K. Bruce was a former Virginian slave, who through ambition and drive advanced to become the first African American to preside of the US Senate.

Langston was the first African American elected to Congress from Virginia. He was one of the many prominent African Americans who addressed Emancipation Act celebration participants.

This is the original Act and translation, which abolished slavery in the District of Columbia drafted by Senator Henry Wilson and signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. This item gives you a visual of the bill and a complete translation of the…

Designed and sculpted by Thomas Ball and erected in 1876, the monument depicts Abraham Lincoln in his role of the "Great Emancipator" freeing a male African American slave modeled on Archer Alexander

Also known as the Freedman’s Memorial or the…

This is a current aerial view of Franklin Square in Washington, DC. This was the site of the first Emancipation Act anniversary celebration. Compare this photo to the F. Dielman sketch from 1866.

President Lincoln's letter to Congress informing them that he singed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act. Click here to view this document