The Juneteenth flag hanging from a balcony, a clock nearby

Celebrate Juneteenth at the Field Museum

About this event series

On June 19, the Museum will be free to Illinois residents in celebration of Juneteenth. The Pride and Juneteenth flags will greet you as a reminder that the Field is welcome to all.

Illinois residents visit the Field Museum for free to celebrate Juneteenth! This year, the Field is highlighting scientist George Washington Carver, who encouraged economic empowerment and independence through sustainable farming practices.

Meet our Community Partners

In Stanley Field Hall from 11am—2pm, meet some of our community partners, who carry these same principles forward through their current work in and around Chicago neighborhoods. Visitors can also see specimens collected by George Washington Carver that are still used by researchers today.

Meet a Scientist

In the Grainger Science Hub from 11am—1pm learn about the legacy of George Washington Carver through specimens he collected early in the Museum’s history, and take an audio tour through nine Museum exhibits to hear the story of his research and publications.

See details

About Juneteenth

Juneteenth serves as a holiday to commemorate the end of chattel slavery. On June 19th, 1865, the Union declared victory over the Confederacy and proclaimed that all previously enslaved persons were free. Juneteenth symbolizes the end of a battle, but also the beginning of reconciliation.

If this is your first time hearing of Juneteenth or leaning into conversations about racism, anti-racism, and white supremacy, feel free to utilize this Anti-Racism Resource Guide to start your journey. We encourage you to take time today to push past the comfort of silence and complacency and be at the forefront of social justice and change. If you are all too familiar with the fatigue of engaging in racial and social justice work, we encourage you to take time to rest and reflect.  Self-care is resistance.

Free Admission Guidelines

Tickets for Free Days are only available to Illinois residents on-site and cannot be reserved in advance. Please ask a Visitor Services staff member for the special offer and show your Illinois proof of residency. You cannot take advantage of Free Days when buying tickets online.