Contact: Dee Evans Communications@national-junteenth.org
888.509,NJOF (6563) x 701
For Immediate Release
(Washington DC) The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) which advocated more than 25 years for the recognition of Juneteenth before the signing ( www.nationaljuneteenth.org ) of the federal holiday legislation in 2021. has added a new tradition to the Juneteenth calendar, Shove Off Day on the shore of City Point. Virginia now known as Hopewell.
On May 25, 2024, NJOF, in partnership with the National Park Service, will present their third recognition program marking the date, where on May 25, 1865 United States Colored Troops and other military branches embarked on ships enroute to the Texas /Mexico border to defend our country from Emperor Maxmilian.
Reenactors interested in participating may register online at www.shoveoffday.org There will be a raising of the official Juneteenth flag, speakers, cannon and musket demonstrations and a tour of the grounds including General Grant's Cabin. This is just one of the many stories the make up the legacy and the full glory of Emancipation and the effect on all that share this land and beyond.
Because our history is not fully taught in school, it is up to us to share the rich and full story of freedom in American History. Please let us work together to tell not only our state and cities stories, but our family stories as well
Steve Williams, president of NJOF will be available for interviews.Contact NJOF at 888,598,NJOF (6563) x701
Petersburg National Battlefield
1539 Hickory Hill Road
Petersburg, VA 23803
804-732-3571 phone
www.nps.gov/pete
Release Date: April 24, 2023
Contacts: Eric Schreiner, 804-732-3531, ext. 201, Eric_Schreiner@nps.gov
PETERSBURG, VA – Petersburg National Battlefield is partnering with The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation for a free event on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event will feature a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony performed by United States Colored Troops (USCT) reenactors. There will also be guest speakers highlighting this powerful story. The program will honor the USCT journey, as part of the U.S. Army expedition starting at City Point, setting sail for Texas at the end of the Civil War. They helped enforce the freedom of those enslaved in the remote areas of the Confederacy. Following the program, park staff will offer tours of City Point and the Appomattox Plantation buildings. Parking for the program is at the Old City Point Waterfront Park, 1199 Pecan Avenue, Hopewell, VA 23860. The address for City Point is 1001 Pecan Avenue, Hopewell, VA 23860.
If you go
The General Grant’s Headquarters Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield, 1001 Pecan Avenue, Hopewell, VA, 23860, includes a visitor contact station inside the Eppes Family plantation home built in 1763. Visitors can tour the area around the Eppes home, including plantation outbuildings and numerous exhibits that focus on plantation life for free and enslaved people. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. Please bring water and wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather.
For more information about the event contact the Manager of Interpretation at (804) 732-3531 ext. 201, or by email Eric_Schreiner@nps.gov. To learn more about Petersburg National Battlefield, follow the park on social media, @PetersburgNPS, or visit the park website at www.npes.gov/pete.