On June 19, 1865, two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln declared the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free from Major General Gordon Granger, marking Juneteenth as the longest-running known celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States.

It was declared a federal holiday in 2021 and a state holiday in 2022, with Connecticut celebrating Juneteenth for the first time this year.

The following are Juneteenth events happening around Connecticut:

Juneteenth Freedom Day, Stamford

Juneteenth Freedom Day will be held at Mill River Park, 1050 Washington Boulevard, from noon to 4 p.m. June 17, sponsored by the City of Stamford.

Woman with a Railroad, Mystic

On June 19 at 2 p.m., Adwoa Bandele-Asante will perform her one-woman show “Harriet Tubman: Woman with a Railroad” at the Mystic Seaport Museum. The Mystic Seaport Museum is at 75 Greenmanville Avenue.

Musical Performance, New Haven

A musical performance will be held at 3 p.m. June 18 on the New Haven Green’s Alexander Clark Stage by Stefon Hawkins, Minister of Music at New Haven’s New Hope Baptist Church, along with the New Hope Fellowship Choir. A multigenerational community all-sing led by Jarron Taylor will also take place.

Ridgefiel Playhouse & Discovering Amistad, Ridgefield

The Ridgefield Playhouse and Discovering Amistad will kick off Discovering Amistad, the first half of a two-part cultural event, June 25, at noon at the Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road. There will be traditional djembe drummers, African food and crafts to be followed by a screening of Steven Spielberg’s film “Amistad.”

Harriet Tubman Play & Reading Discussion, Waterbury

A reading of a play about Harriet Tubman will take place at 1:30 p.m. on June 19 at the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, to be performed by Janette D. Scott of Waterbury. All are welcome to attend, but seating is limited. Register by sending an email to: gwnaacp2015b@gmail.com.