Friends of Booker T. Washington National Monument

06/01/2026

Booker T. Washington National Monument will commemorate the 161st anniversary of the emancipation of Booker T. Washington with special anniversary programming, musical performances, and activities on June 19-21, 2026.

This commemorative event begins on Friday, June 19, with a series of guided programs and activities that highlight Washington’s enslaved childhood on the Burroughs plantation and the importance of emancipation to Washington and to the nation.

On Saturday, June 20, bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the day-long Celebration of Freedom Gospel Concert, which will begin at 11 a.m. Performers include Michael Boone, Sonny Brown Xperience, The Napper Singers, Perkins & EnVision, Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven Gospel Singers, Pastor Milton Hardy Jr., and the Joy Bells. Food vendors and family-friendly activities will also be available.

The event concludes on Sunday, June 21 with a series of guided programs and presentations that discuss the importance of freedom and honor the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington.

All programs are free and open to the public but may be subject to change. For a detailed schedule of events and additional information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/bowa/planyourvisit/annual-commemoration-event.htm or contact Booker T. Washington National Monument at (540) 682-0173.



Image: A group of people sitting under a large tent listening to musical performances.

05/27/2026

It’s field trip day Booker T. Washington National Monument. Third graders compare life in 2026 to Booker’s life 1856-1865 before he is emancipated.

05/26/2026

Booker T. Washington NM News Release
Release Date: May 26, 2026
Contact: Abbi Smithmyer, (540) 682-0173

Booker T. Washington National Monument to Commemorate 161st Anniversary of Emancipation and Juneteenth

Hardy, Va.—Booker T. Washington National Monument will commemorate the 161st anniversary of the emancipation of Booker T. Washington with special anniversary programming, musical performances and activities on June 19-21, 2026.

This commemorative event begins on Friday, June 19, with a series of guided programs and activities that highlight Washington’s enslaved childhood on the Burroughs plantation and the importance of emancipation to Washington and to the nation.

On Saturday, June 20, bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the day-long Celebration of Freedom Gospel Concert, which will begin at 11 a.m. Performers include Michael Boone, Sonny Brown Xperience, The Napper Singers, Perkins & EnVision, Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven Gospel Singers, Pastor Milton Hardy Jr., and the Joy Bells. Food vendors and family-friendly activities will also be available.

The event concludes on Sunday, June 21 with a series of guided programs and presentations that discuss the importance of freedom and honor the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington.

All programs are free and open to the public but may be subject to change. For a detailed schedule of events and additional information, please visit www.nps.gov/bowa or contact Booker T. Washington National Monument at (540) 682-0173.

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later as an adviser, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential....

05/26/2026

Booker T. Washington National Monument will commemorate the 161st anniversary of the emancipation of Booker T. Washington with special anniversary programming, musical performances, and activities on June 19-21, 2026.

05/25/2026

Catch Ranger Abbi’s well spoken interview.

Born in 1856, Booker T. Washington was enslaved in Franklin County but was freed at the age of nine, and went on to become an educator and inspiration.

05/20/2026

Enjoy Ranger led tours at 11 and 2 daily.

05/20/2026

From slavery to leadership — the journey of Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) is a powerful reminder that determination can reshape destiny.

Born into slavery, Washington rose through hardship with an unshakable belief in the power of education. He became a leading educator, author, and advisor, dedicating his life to uplifting African Americans during one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history. As the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, he emphasized practical skills, self-reliance, and economic independence as pathways to progress.

Washington’s message was clear: true empowerment begins with knowledge, discipline, and perseverance. Though his ideas sparked debate in his time, his impact is undeniable—he helped lay the foundation for future generations to pursue education and opportunity with courage.

His life teaches us that even in the face of injustice, growth is possible—and change begins with what we choose to build.