Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Sponsored by Rock Spring Descendants Committee
Hosted by the Reynolds Homestead

Friday, June 19 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Reynolds Homestead, 463 Homestead Lane, Critz, VA

 On June 19, 2025, the Rock Spring Descendants Committee hosted a Juneteenth Celebration with more than 130 people in attendance, many of whom were descendants of individuals who were enslaved at Rock Spring Plantation.

The committee is planning a third annual Juneteenth Celebration to be held at the Reynolds Homestead on Friday, June 19. 

Participants will be able to tour the historic home and kitchen, visit the tobacco barn, cemetery for the enslaved community, rock spring and the community engagement center where they will have an opportunity to review research about the men, women, and children who were enslaved on the plantation and create a cornhusk doll, a popular toy for enslaved children. 

Other activities including a series of cakewalks will be held on the grounds. Kimble Reynolds, chair of the Descendants Committee, will lead the program and guest Ben Jackson will share information on how bricks were made by enslaved workers and teach participants how to locate fingerprints made during the brick-making process. 

A fellowship meal will be served at 3 p.m. Following the meal, a closing ceremony honoring those who were enslaved on the plantation will held, followed by a closing song and benediction led by Bishop Burgie Penn.

Juneteenth t-shirts will be available for purchase. The t-shirts are black with the logo on the front center. Names of individuals who were enslaved on the plantation will be listed on the back of the t-shirt. Sizes small through extra large are $18 each; sizes 2XL and 3XL are $20 each.
Preorder your shirt now: bit.ly/shirtorderjune19

Share your family story at the Juneteenth Celebration

As part of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration at the Reynolds Homestead, descendants are invited to sign up to share a brief story, memory, or reflection that may have been passed down through their family.

Stories may be about Rock Spring Plantation, ancestors who were enslaved there, family connections to the site, or anything descendants believe should be preserved and shared with future generations. Each recording session will last about 10 minutes and will be captured on video during the Juneteenth Celebration.

Select your time slot below to share. Spots are limited!