Registration now closed

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.

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.

Upcoming Events