The History of Juneteenth in Seneca Village
On June 19, 2022, the Central Park Conservancy hosted its inaugural Juneteenth celebration in Central Park. An act of both celebration and remembrance, this event featured world-renowned artists performing throughout the Seneca Village landscape.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Seneca Village
Seneca Village’s history in connection to Central Park is layered and complex. Today, it represents both the joy of Black success during a time of unimaginable hardships and the feeling of tragic loss that resulted when the area was seized by eminent domain to build the Park.
Find out more about the yearly Juneteenth event held in Central Park, or revisit previous events and honor the voices and cultures that once resided here below.
Go Deeper into History
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In the News
The New York Times: At Central Park Juneteenth Event, New Yorkers Honor Seneca Village
“Not only am I in this location, I am witnessing other Black excellence... The dancers are real, the people are real — it’s not just remembering what happened, it’s seeing a new, updated version of it.” -
In the News
AMNY: Central Park Celebrates Black Culture for Juneteenth in Seneca Village
"The Central Park Conservancy took New Yorkers on an artistic journey through history... Black history was proudly celebrated on June 19. The Central Park Conservancy crafted a series of stops around Seneca Village on West 85th Street where park goers could pause and learn about the culture." -
In the News
Patch: Looking Back at Central Park's Seneca Village on Juneteenth
"'New York City has a different story to tell of freedoms gained and freedoms lost,' says Central Park Conservancy historian Marie Warsh. 'Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery, is also an opportunity to reflect on Black culture, and accomplishments.'" -
In the News
From Instagram
#SenecaVillage was one of the first places in NYC where free Black people owned property. Learn from #CentralParkConservancy staff member John on why this was a vibrant community. -
Further Reading
Before Juneteenth: The Story of Seneca Village and Central Park
Juneteenth is a day that marks the end of slavery, celebrates Black culture and accomplishments, and acknowledges the systemic injustices people of color continue to face. It is also a time to reflect on Seneca Village, its residents, and its legacy.
Tags: Families / History / Park Experts / First-Time Visitors
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Further Reading
How to Engage with the History of Seneca Village
The current movement for racial justice—which includes elevating Black history, culture, and stories—has sparked a renewed interest in Seneca Village, a community of predominantly African-Americans that existed before the creation of Central Park.
Tags: Tips for Visiting / About the Conservancy
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Further Reading
Finding Joy in a History of Loss: Juneteenth in Central Park's Seneca Village
Andrea Buteau of the Central Park Conservancy and composer/curator Andromeda Turre discuss creating a Juneteenth commemoration that is both a powerful act of somber remembrance and celebratory joy.
Tags: Families / History / Best for Kids / Art Lovers
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Further Reading
Dishes, Shoes, and Tiles: The Excavation of the Seneca Village Site
Conservancy Historian Marie Warsh speaks with two archaeologists about their experience excavating Seneca Village artifacts and what the items have revealed about this community.
Tags: History / Park Experts
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Park Tours
Seneca Village Tour
2:00 pmBefore Central Park was built, the area from West 82nd to West 89th Street was home to Seneca Village, the largest community of African-American property owners in New York.
Tags: History
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Park Tours
Virtual Weekly Walk: The History and Residents of Seneca Village
Join us as we explore the site of Seneca Village on our weekly virtual walk. -
For Educators
Interpretive Signage
Download all of the signs from the Seneca Village exhibit in the Park. -
For Educators
Research Guide
The Conservancy receives lot of requests for information on Seneca Village, ranging from more general inquiries about who lived there to more specific questions such as to whether Seneca Village was a stop on the Underground Railroad. We compiled some of these questions with brief answers and recommendations for further research in this guide. -
For Educators
New York City and the Path to Freedom
An interactive collection of resources from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
A Look Back at the Event
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The path leading up to Summit Rock was the event’s red carpet.
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Kora player Abdou M’Boup welcomed visitors—and had a rapt audience.
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Mayor Eric Adams addressed the crowd.
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Visitors had a chance to relax, reflect, and enjoy the Juneteenth holiday.
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One performance incorporated the landscape around Tanner's Spring.
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Another incorporated the landscape of Summit Rock.
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The festivities attracted audiences of all ages.
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Hands-on activities helped visitors connect with Seneca Village's history and think about the archaeological traces that make it legible today.
2022 THEMES
A visit to Seneca Village isn’t just about seeing an archaeological site. It’s about taking an active part in remembering the people that lived here, imagining how the landscape shaped their communities and lives, and considering how we can honor their legacy. Through the lenses of education, community, enfranchisement, empowerment, reflection, and commemoration, this year's artists—helmed by artistic director Andromeda Turre—explored what the Seneca Village community meant to its residents, and what it means to New Yorkers today.