The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum celebrates freedom this month with an array of special Juneteenth events, including a display of the Emancipation Proclamation, theatrical events, a free day of admission and a presentation by a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.
The Second American Revolution
June 5, 2026 – January 17, 2027
Examine how the Civil War and Reconstruction transformed the United States, turning a struggle to preserve the Union into a fight to redefine freedom and citizenship. Part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibit features artifacts including the pen that Lincoln used to sign the Emancipation Proclamation and a signed copy of the constitutional amendment ending slavery in America.
more info
Nature of Freedom
June 11, 13, 17, 18, 19
This readers theater presentation features the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman and more. Performances take place at noon on June 11, 13, 17 and 19. There also is a 6:30 p.m. performance on June 18.
more info
Emancipation Proclamation on Display
June 12 - 19, 2026
On display 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the library building weekdays from June 12 through June 19. One special weekend display will take place Saturday, June 13. There will be no charge to see the proclamation.
more info
Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 13 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The ALPLM will have an activity tent at Springfield’s Juneteenth Celebration in Comer Cox Park on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children can design their own buttons, and we’ll be giving away free Lincoln swag and a museum membership.
more info
Freeish: Juneteenth and the Long Legacy of 1619
June 15 | 6:30 PM
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, explores Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of slavery in America.
more info
FREE Admission
June 19 | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
No charge to visit the museum. Last admission at 4:00 PM.
more info
America 250 Movie Series: Glory
June 19 | 6:30 PM
The America 250 Movies Series begins with the 1989 American epic historical war drama Glory. Starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman, Glory is a tribute to the Army's first black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, that was mustered up during the Civil War under the command of an inexperienced white New Englander.
more info