Conicelli Autoplex Invites You to Commemorate Juneteenth, a Celebration of Black History in Norristown

Members of the Third U.S. Colored Infantry.

On Saturday, June 16, 2012, as part of the year-long Norristown Bicentennial celebration co-sponsored by Conicelli Autoplex of Conshohocken, PA, the community will commemorate Juneteenth and Selma Mansion History Day with special programs to spotlight Norristown's history.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, which technically freed the last remaining slaves in the United States.

On Saturday from 10 a.m.-2:20 p.m. will be the third annual dramatic walking tour of central Norristown. Tours that last about an hour will start every 20 minutes at the Centre Theatre at 208 DeKalb Street, and there will be six stops along the way with actors performing narratives about the lives of slaves as well as modern speeches celebrating Emancipation Day. Professional actors will be joined by members of the NAACP Youth Council who will be acting as tour guides for the event. There will be a shuttle transporting visitors between the various venues all day long.

Highlights of the 2011 Walking Tour

Highlights of the 2010 Walking Tour

From 11 a.m.-6 p.m., there will be numerous events at Selma Mansion at 1301 West Airy Street, including a Civil War battle reenactment and weapons display by the Third U.S. Colored Infantry. In addition there will be history exhibits, antiques and memorabilia, paranormal lectures, presentations and a variety of vendors including Willis Bros. BBQ.

Admission to the Selma Mansion event is $6 (adults), $3 (children 5-12), $4 (seniors and veterans). Children under 5 and active duty military will be admitted free of charge. Every penny of the admission fees go toward the restoration of the historic mansion.

Conicelli Autoplex is a proud co-sponsor of this year's ongoing Norristown Bicentennial events.