On June 17 and June 19, 2025, friends of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum helped commemorate this moment in history by raising funds for the future of Black History education, ensuring that Juneteenth celebrations continue.
On June 17, the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted a Juneteenth SPADY HOUSE PARTY, welcoming friends and supporters to Chamber offices for food, music, drinks and warm conversation. Spady Museum Board President Elizabeth Burrows shared with guests the true meaning of the event.
“The Spady House will turn 100 years old in 2026. As the only African-American museum in the county, as of today, we are making sure that the museum stays with us for another 100 years. We are raising $100,000 — or more — for the continuation of our programs, events and exhibits, which serve every resident of Palm Beach County with arts, history, culture and education,” she said. “Please join us in raising funds, so that the House still stands.”
To donate, please visit www.spadymuseum.com.
On June 19, visitors streamed into the Spady Museum to enjoy a new Juneteenth outdoor installation that explored the meanings of Adinkra symbols. Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts, proverbs, and aphorisms. Originated from the Gyaman people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, Adinkra symbols have been frequently appropriated by other cultures for use in advertising, political propaganda, branding and art — from the Dixie® cup logo to the Tic-Tac-Toe grid.
The installation featured the works of residents and visitors who participated in a five-day workshop, led by museum curatorial consultant Khaulah Nuruddin. Participants learned about the history and meaning of the symbols before creating their own interpretive artwork. Their works are displayed on 8’ x 3’ surfaces, which are hung on the fence that surrounds the museum’s outdoor space.
What is Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865, the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official January 1, 1863. Juneteenth celebrates not only the national day, which is also known as Emancipation Day, but also a corresponding day in Florida’s history. In Florida, Union Brigadier General Edward M. McCook established his headquarters at the Hagner residence, known today as the Knott House, in Tallahassee. Immediately following the Civil War, General McCook was responsible for announcing the Emancipation Proclamation. A series of celebratory events are normally scheduled in Tallahassee on and around May 20.
ABOUT THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM:
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was established in July 2001 by the non-profit organization, EXPANDING AND PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, INC., a 501(c)3 Florida organization. Located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, the museum preserves and shares local Black history with Delray Beach Black archives, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; all other hours are by appointment. (561) 279-8883; wwwspadymuseum.com
Dropbox file with photos (photo credit: MasterWing Creative Agency, 2025): https://www.dropbox.com/t/rY1jnjN7Q2opbfry