Happy Juneteenth 2025! Photos of our celebration are now available.

Celebrating Juneteenth at Durand-Hedden House & Garden, co-hosted with the SOMA Community Coalition on Race, has become a treasured local tradition. This year's event included gospel singers from the First Baptist Church of South Orange, readings from local Black poets Eric Shorter and Heru Stewart, African line dancing, the Kamate Drummers, historical reenactors Daniel Carlton (portraying Thomas Smallwood, Underground Railroad conductor) and Teretha Jones (portraying Elizabeth Keckley, confident to Mary Todd Lincoln), face painting, arts and crafts, an art exhibit featuring works by local Black artists, and the exhibit "Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History."

Claire Sinclair was on site to capture it all with her camera. Enjoy reliving the day with her wonderful photos. Click on side arrows to scroll through the slide show.