NORTHUMBERLAND—The Northern Neck Hidden History Trail (NNKHHT) will host its 2026 Juneteenth Celebration, “Celebrate Family Folktales and Legends” from noon-6 p.m. June 20 at the Greens at Ma Margaret’s House B&B, 249 Greenfield Road, Reedville. The event will mark the launch of the region’s “14 Days of Freedom.”
This powerful cultural event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while inviting the broader community to reflect on freedom as a shared American value, reported co-founder and executive director Alva Jackson. The celebration also serves as the organization’s primary annual fundraiser, with a goal of raising $25,000 to support operations, educational outreach and innovative storytelling initiatives. Donations will be accepted.
The Juneteenth event officially kicks off the “14 Days of Freedom,” a multi-day social media content project, reflections and community engagements leading up to July 4th, positioning the initiative as a meaningful prelude to America’s 250th Anniversary, said Jackson.
“As a founder, this work is deeply personal,” said board president Robert Jackson. “Juneteenth reminds us that freedom has always been hard-won, but it also challenges us to ensure those stories are told fully and truthfully. Through the 14 Days of Freedom, we are connecting the legacy of emancipation to the broader American journey toward independence. We believe freedom is a fundamental right for all Americans, and this celebration is an open invitation for everyone to come together, learn, and be part of that continuing story.”
The event will feature an engaging lineup of scholars, performers and cultural leaders, said A. Jackson. Dignitaries will include Dr. Bessida Cauthorne White, genealogist and historian; Dr. Wanda Tucker, keynote speaker and descendant of William Tucker (1619); and Roberta Lea, country music artist, singer and songwriter.
Attendees can expect music and cultural performances; living history and storytelling experiences; youth and family-friendly educational activities; local vendors, artisans and food truck; and exhibits from historical partners.
Funds raised will support organizational operations and sustainability; expansion of the NNKHHT mobile app with AI and Augmented Reality capabilities for enhanced storytelling and tourism; educational outreach programs for schools and communities; and collaborative initiatives with museums and historical organizations
The Northern Neck Hidden History Trail is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the diverse narratives of Indigenous, African American and European American history across the region, offering a more complete and inclusive understanding of America’s past and future.
More about the Juneteenth Celebration and the NNHHT may be found at nnkhiddenhistorytrail.org.
