Honoring Freedom: An Exploration of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a pivotal part of American history and a defining moment in Texas history, carrying a powerful story of freedom and triumph for African Americans. Its roots run especially deep in Texas, not only as the birthplace of the holiday, but as one of the last places where freedom was formally announced to thousands of enslaved people.

In partnership with the Dallas Historical Society (DHS), we set out to build upon this powerful legacy by creating an exhibit that brings the story of Juneteenth to life. DHS, as stewards of historical preservation, contributed their expertise along with invaluable artifacts, most notably an original copy of General Order No. 3 issued by General Gordon Granger. This foundational document declared freedom for enslaved individuals in Texas, marking the beginning of Juneteenth.

To support the presentation of this piece and the interactive kiosks, we worked closely with DHS to design a custom display case that matched our shared vision for the experience. The case was thoughtfully built to complement the existing displays in the Hall of Heroes, remain mobile for future use, and make the artifacts easily visible to both children and adults. It also provided a dedicated space for the document and ensured that user interaction with the kiosks felt natural and accessible.

The creation of this Juneteenth exhibit is especially significant, as it marks the first time the Dallas Historical Society has presented a dedicated installation on this important chapter of local and national history. While Juneteenth has long held meaning within communities, its recognition by cultural institutions has only recently begun to reflect its true importance, particularly following its long journey to becoming a federally recognized holiday.

By launching this exhibit, DHS joins a growing number of organizations committed to honoring Juneteenth and educating future generations about the history and ongoing significance of this powerful moment in our shared past.

Juneteenth Reimagined

While collaborating with the Dallas Historical Society, our shared goal was to deepen the narrative of Juneteenth by making it more personal, immersive, and accessible. Through the use of interactive technology, we offered visitors a broader, more human perspective, inviting them to reflect on what life was like, or could have been like, for those experiencing emancipation firsthand.

This experience featured two interactive kiosks. The first offered personal insights from newly freed individuals, along with an interactive map showing where they were located at the time of the Emancipation Proclamation. By clicking on each location, visitors could view an educational video that shared more about that individual’s story. The second focused on the broader history of Juneteenth and how the holiday has been celebrated from its origins to the present day.

A key highlight was the immersive photobooth, which allowed visitors to step into custom AR filters depicting scenes of celebration and protest from both past and present. Using augmented reality, the camera captured and cropped visitors from the background environment, placing them directly into period-specific Juneteenth scenes that reflected the era’s significance. Each AR filter included a brief description highlighting the significant events that led to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday. By placing visitors in each period, they have the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before in the ongoing fight for equal rights for all. Visitors who wished to keep their Juneteenth photograph could send it to their email as a keepsake.   

Lastly, one of the most meaningful parts of the Juneteenth experience at DHS was asking visitors to reflect on their personal experience with the holiday. Questions like “What does Juneteenth mean to you?”, “How do you celebrate Juneteenth?” and “What do you hope others take away from this experience?” gave guests a chance to connect personally with the history and share their perspectives. DHS intends to build a living archive with these recordings, a growing collection of personal stories that continues to preserve and share the legacy of Juneteenth.

Conclusion

Our collaboration with the Dallas Historical Society was more than a presentation of facts; it was a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the power of remembrance. By combining historical artifacts with immersive storytelling, we helped create a space where the legacy of Juneteenth could be felt, not just learned. This project reminds us that history is not just behind us, it lives through us, and it’s up to each of us to carry it forward.

The Juneteenth exhibit will remain on display through August and into the State Fair, returning for the next Juneteenth season in May. We invite you to continue exploring, honoring, and sharing the stories of Juneteenth. Whether through learning, conversation, or celebration, your voice plays an important role in keeping this pivotal chapter of American history alive. At a time when some U.S. leaders question the value of Juneteenth, it has become even more important to support efforts by organizations like the Dallas Historical Society, dedicated to preserving the truth of our shared history.