Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum to Host Juneteenth Celebration for the Second Consecutive Year
LANCASTER, PA – Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is proud to announce that it will once again host Lancaster’s annual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026. The event, organized in partnership with the Lancaster Chapter of the National Action Network (NAN), builds on the success of last year’s historic celebration and continues as part of the museum’s 101st Anniversary year.
The Juneteenth Celebration has a long and rich history in Lancaster, originating as the Strawberry Street Festival—the earliest known African American celebration in the county. Oral histories suggest that the festival may date back as early as 1905, with its tradition continuing until around 1965. In 1997, Paul Culbreth and Darlene Colon revived the event as a Juneteenth Celebration at Thaddeus Stevens College, ensuring that this vital piece of Lancaster’s cultural history remained alive.
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is honored to continue serving as the home for this historic and deeply meaningful event. This year’s Juneteenth Celebration will immerse visitors in a living history experience, aligning with the museum’s mission of preserving and interpreting Pennsylvania’s diverse heritage. The event will feature:
- Live historical reenactments and performances by the PA Past Players
- Local gospel choirs performing spirituals and songs of the era
- Vendors and food trucks showcasing African American-owned businesses and traditional cuisine
- Educational programming exploring the legacy of emancipation and the impact of Juneteenth in Pennsylvania
“We are thrilled to welcome the community back to Landis Valley for our second Juneteenth Celebration,” said Shawn Gladden, Site Administrator of Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. “Last year demonstrated just how powerful it is to bring this tradition to our grounds, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we continue honoring Lancaster’s rich cultural heritage.”
Paul Culbreth, co-founder of the revived Juneteenth Celebration, added: “First and foremost, it is a pleasure and honor for The National Action Network (NAN) Lancaster Chapter to continue our partnership with Landis Valley. This event showcases the rich cultural history of our county and the contributions it has made to the United States.”
NAN | 445 E. Strawberry Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
This year’s Juneteenth Celebration will offer reduced admission for the day, thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including Discover Lancaster and Members First, among others.
For more information, media inquiries, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Shawn Gladden Site Administrator, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum shgladden@pa.gov | 717-569-0401
Join us on June 19, 2026, as we honor the past, celebrate freedom, and continue a cherished Lancaster tradition at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum!
More Information: www.landisvalleymuseum.org/event/events-juneteenth-celebration
About Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, part of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, is a living history museum dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania German culture and rural heritage from 1740 to 1940. Celebrating its 101st anniversary in 2026, the museum offers immersive experiences, historic demonstrations, and engaging events throughout the year.
National Action Network 