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Image for event: The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth

Registration opens:
May 26th, 2025

The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth

2025-06-16 18:00:00 2025-06-16 19:15:00 America/New_York The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth Author & historian Christopher Daley offers an engaging exploration of key events in the journey to emancipation and the evolution of Juneteenth. Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room

Monday, June 16
6:00pm - 7:15pm

Add to Calendar 2025-06-16 18:00:00 2025-06-16 19:15:00 America/New_York The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth Author & historian Christopher Daley offers an engaging exploration of key events in the journey to emancipation and the evolution of Juneteenth. Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room

Author & historian Christopher Daley offers an engaging exploration of key events in the journey to emancipation and the evolution of Juneteenth.

Galveston 1865

Author & historian Christopher Daley offers an engaging exploration of key events and milestones in the journey to emancipation. He will discuss the abolitionist movement, the election of Abraham Lincoln, Fremont’s Emancipation, Hunter’s Emancipation, and General Benjamin Butler’s “Contraband of War” orders.

Daley also delves into the Emancipation Proclamation—its timing, political implications, and the people it directly impacted—as well as the gradual emancipation of enslaved individuals by Federal troops as they advanced through Confederate states. The presentation highlights the end of the Civil War, the arrival of Federal troops in Texas, and the historic issuance of General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. Finally, it traces Juneteenth’s evolution from a local Galveston celebration to its recognition as a national holiday.

Sponsored by the Wilbraham Friends of the Library. Registration is requested as space is limited.

About Christopher: Christopher Daley has been captivating audiences across New England for over 30 years with engaging presentations on historical topics. Over the past three years, he has expanded his reach nationally, delivering virtual lectures via Zoom to audiences throughout the United States. His talks have been featured at libraries, historical societies, schools, and various clubs and organizations.

Chris holds both a B.A. and an M.A. in Political Science and History from Bridgewater State University. He has held several notable positions in the field of history, including serving as President of the Pembroke Historical Society and Chairman of the Pembroke Historical Commission. Additionally, he worked as a docent and Coordinator of Educational Outreach at the John Alden House Historic Site. After a 25-year career teaching history at the Silver Lake Regional School System in Kingston, Massachusetts, Chris recently retired to focus on his historical endeavors.

As a writer, Chris has contributed numerous articles on diverse historical topics to local publications and authored the book Murder and Mayhem in Boston: Historic Crimes in the Hub. His expertise has also been sought for television, including serving as a historical consultant on the Sacco-Vanzetti case for the Travel Channel's Time Traveling with Brian Unger and appearing as a historian in two episodes of Kindred Spirits focusing on the Lizzie Borden case.

Chris collaborates with his wife, Cathy, who serves as DaleyHistory's professional photographer and fellow researcher. The couple resides in the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Lecture | History & Genealogy |

Wilbraham Public Library

Phone: 413-596-6141

Hours

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 2:00PM

Mon, May 12 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 13 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 14 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 15 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Fri, May 16 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 17 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Sun, May 18 Closed

About the branch

The Wilbraham Public Library provides resources and opportunities for community learning, recreation, and making connections.

Upcoming Events

Sat, May 17, 9:00am - 12:00pm
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Tue, May 20, 9:30am - 10:30am
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Tue, May 20, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
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The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Wed, May 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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Judy Blume's books have garnered fans of all ages & sold tens of millions of copies. In The Genius of Judy, author Rachelle Bergstein takes an expansive look at Blume’s life, work, & cultural impact.
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Wed, May 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
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A monthly book discussion facilitated by Assistant Director Mary Bell. Newcomers are always welcome!

Fri, May 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
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Tue, May 27, 9:30am - 10:30am
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Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.

Tue, May 27, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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Led by Jessica Magill For questions, contact Jessica: jessicammagill@hotmail.com

Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Social-emotional skill building!
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Sat, May 31, 10:00am - 11:00am
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Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles!

Mon, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Monthly meeting on the fourth Monday of the month. Books are available to pick up at the Service Desk; new comers are always welcome.

Tue, Jun 03, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.

Tue, Jun 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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The daytime monthly book discussion group facilitated by Library Director Karen Ball. New members always welcome!

Wed, Jun 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet.
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Wed, Jun 04, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Meets the first Wednesday of every other month. Participants will make and share dishes from the month’s selected cookbook. (Please sign up for the Cookbook Club by Monday, June 2nd. Thank you!)

Thu, Jun 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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Author Alexis Prescott will discuss her recent release, The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World, a book which provides a readable overview of how the Western witch originated.
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Fri, Jun 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
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Mon, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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Tue, Jun 10, 9:30am - 10:30am
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Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.

Tue, Jun 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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Tue, Jun 10, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
The monthly meeting of the Wilbraham Friends of the Library.

Fri, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Build creativity and literacy skills with Ms. Jen!

Sat, Jun 14, 10:00am - 10:45am
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Join us for a magical day!
Registration opens Monday, May 19 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Jun 16, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Author & historian Christopher Daley offers an engaging exploration of key events in the journey to emancipation and the evolution of Juneteenth.
Registration opens Monday, May 26 2025 at 9:00am