Emancipation Day Events: Celebrate Freedom with a Day of History, Culture, and Inspiration

RALEIGH, NC – Join the City of Raleigh Museum for an unforgettable Emancipation Day in Raleigh! Explore a lineup of engaging events on January 4th that honor African Americans’ resilience, contributions, and legacy throughout history.

1. Emancipation Day Breakfast

Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Kick off the day with a hot breakfast and an inspiring lecture by Dr. Shirley Moody-Turner on Anna Julia Cooper, a trailblazer for women’s rights, civil rights,  and education.
Proceeds benefit the Turner Historic House Museum.

Purchase Tickets Here

2. ‘Bottom Rail on Top’: Black Civil War Reenactors

Location: Pope House Museum
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Step into history with United States Colored Troops reenactors who share stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience during the Civil War., both on the front lines and in the camps. Gain a deeper understanding of their pivotal role in shaping our nation’s past. This event is perfect for all ages, and a great way to experience history come alive.
No registration is required.

3. Emancipation Day Trolley: Oberlin Village Tour

Location: Pope House Museum
Time:

• Tour 1: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
• Tour 2: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
  Cost: $4 (Children) / $10 (Adults)
  Located on the outskirts of Raleigh, Oberlin Village was a vibrant African American community established after the Civil War. Join historians Carmen Wimberly Cauthen and Cheryl Williams on a guided trolley tour of Oberlin Village, a post-Civil War African American community rich in history and heritage.

Get Your Trolley Tickets Here

4. Music of Freedom

Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
End the day with a moving classical performance by United Strings of Color. This grand finale celebrates abolitionists and their contributions to music, blending history with melody to honor the fight for freedom.
No registration is required.

About the Event

North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, supports each program. Visit www.nchumanities.org for more information.

Celebrate freedom, resilience, and the vibrant history of our community.