Special Juneteenth Walking Tour: The History of Slavery in York County, Maine

This tour brings to light the stories of enslaved people in the York County, from Colonial times to the Emancipation Proclamation. Through local records, we learn the names of the enslaved of York, and hear a bit about the circumstances of their lives in New England. The first mention of slavery in York appears in the 1630s, when Thomas Gorges writes to England saying he could use slaves for work, but was unsure they could endure the cold. The prevalence of slavery in the northern colonies during this time period is not commonly discussed, but it is clear that enslaved Africans left an indelible mark on the region’s history.

The creation of Maine as a state is inextricably tied to our nation’s history of slavery. We will briefly discuss the confluence of events brought about Maine statehood in 1820, and look at how those complex issues played out locally.

The tour lasts approximately an hour, and covers a three-block area along York Street. The terrain is uneven, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Tours begin promptly at the Lindsay Road entrance to the Museum Center, so please arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to check in. Because the tour size is limited, if you do not check in by the start time of the tour, your ticket may be released to someone on the waiting list.

In case of inclement weather, the tour will be cancelled.

This tour is limited to 16 people, and we encourage you to pre-register online (this includes members).