On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the new year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Just a few months earlier, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the executive order that declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate States legally free. However, the decree would not take effect until the clock struck midnight at the start of the new year. (Source: The Smithsonian Institute)

Join us at The Heritage Society on 1100 Bagby Street, HTX 77002

Saturday, December 28, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Tuesday, December 31, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Performances by Actress Kijana Wiseman and Poet Dr. Don Williams

Experience a historic houses tour with re-enactments of Watch Night known as “Freedom's Eve,” marks when African Americans across the country watched and waited for the news of freedom. Today, Watch Night is an annual New Year's Eve tradition in places of worship that includes the memory of slavery and freedom, reflections on faith, and celebration of community and strength.

On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the new year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Just a few months earlier, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the executive order that declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate States legally free. However, the decree would not take effect until the clock struck midnight at the start of the new year. (Source: The Smithsonian Institute)

Join us at The Heritage Society on 1100 Bagby Street, HTX 77002

Saturday, December 28, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Tuesday, December 31, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Performances by Actress Kijana Wiseman and Poet Dr. Don Williams

Experience a historic houses tour with re-enactments of Watch Night known as “Freedom's Eve,” marks when African Americans across the country watched and waited for the news of freedom. Today, Watch Night is an annual New Year's Eve tradition in places of worship that includes the memory of slavery and freedom, reflections on faith, and celebration of community and strength.

Join Us for Juneteenth Tea Cakes & Tours Every Saturday in June! 🎉☕

Embark on a journey through history at our three historic houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory of their Enslaved People’s Project. Traditional red punch and tea cakes will be served.  Bring the whole family!

🏠 Step into History: Our three historic houses stand as silent witnesses to the triumphs and struggles of generations past. From the opulent grandeur of the plantation era to the resilient spirit of emancipation, each house tells a unique story of resilience, courage, and hope.

📜 Guided Tours: Led by a tour guide, our Black History Tour offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived on a plantation and segregated neighborhood after June 19, 1865. Learn about the daily lives of enslaved individuals, the struggles for freedom, and the years that followed Juneteenth in our nation's history.

🍰 Tea Cake Tastings: Indulge in a sweet treat as you savor the flavors of tradition with our tea cake tastings. Made from cherished family recipes passed down through generations, these delectable treats serve as a reminder of resilience and community in the face of adversity.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience on

• Saturday, June 1

• Saturday, June 8

• Saturday, June 15

• Wednesday, June 19

Book your Juneteenth Tea Cake Tour today and discover Black History stories that shaped our City's history at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. below. For Group Tours, please contact tours@heritagesociety.org.

Join Us for Juneteenth Tea Cakes & Tours Every Saturday in June! 🎉☕

Embark on a journey through history at our three historic houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory of their Enslaved People’s Project. Traditional red punch and tea cakes will be served.  Bring the whole family!

🏠 Step into History: Our three historic houses stand as silent witnesses to the triumphs and struggles of generations past. From the opulent grandeur of the plantation era to the resilient spirit of emancipation, each house tells a unique story of resilience, courage, and hope.

📜 Guided Tours: Led by a tour guide, our Black History Tour offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived on a plantation and segregated neighborhood after June 19, 1865. Learn about the daily lives of enslaved individuals, the struggles for freedom, and the years that followed Juneteenth in our nation's history.

🍰 Tea Cake Tastings: Indulge in a sweet treat as you savor the flavors of tradition with our tea cake tastings. Made from cherished family recipes passed down through generations, these delectable treats serve as a reminder of resilience and community in the face of adversity.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience on

• Saturday, June 1

• Saturday, June 8

• Saturday, June 15

• Wednesday, June 19

Book your Juneteenth Tea Cake Tour today and discover Black History stories that shaped our City's history at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. below. For Group Tours, please contact tours@heritagesociety.org.

Join Us for Juneteenth Tea Cakes & Tours Every Saturday in June! 🎉☕

Embark on a journey through history at our three historic houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory of their Enslaved People’s Project. Traditional red punch and tea cakes will be served.  Bring the whole family!

🏠 Step into History: Our three historic houses stand as silent witnesses to the triumphs and struggles of generations past. From the opulent grandeur of the plantation era to the resilient spirit of emancipation, each house tells a unique story of resilience, courage, and hope.

📜 Guided Tours: Led by a tour guide, our Black History Tour offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived on a plantation and segregated neighborhood after June 19, 1865. Learn about the daily lives of enslaved individuals, the struggles for freedom, and the years that followed Juneteenth in our nation's history.

🍰 Tea Cake Tastings: Indulge in a sweet treat as you savor the flavors of tradition with our tea cake tastings. Made from cherished family recipes passed down through generations, these delectable treats serve as a reminder of resilience and community in the face of adversity.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience on

• Saturday, June 1

• Saturday, June 8

• Saturday, June 15

• Wednesday, June 19

Book your Juneteenth Tea Cake Tour today and discover Black History stories that shaped our City's history at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. below. For Group Tours, please contact tours@heritagesociety.org.

Join Us for Juneteenth Tea Cakes & Tours Every Saturday in June! 🎉☕

Embark on a journey through history at our three historic houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory of their Enslaved People’s Project. Traditional red punch and tea cakes will be served.  Bring the whole family!

🏠 Step into History: Our three historic houses stand as silent witnesses to the triumphs and struggles of generations past. From the opulent grandeur of the plantation era to the resilient spirit of emancipation, each house tells a unique story of resilience, courage, and hope.

📜 Guided Tours: Led by a tour guide, our Black History Tour offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived on a plantation and segregated neighborhood after June 19, 1865. Learn about the daily lives of enslaved individuals, the struggles for freedom, and the years that followed Juneteenth in our nation's history.

🍰 Tea Cake Tastings: Indulge in a sweet treat as you savor the flavors of tradition with our tea cake tastings. Made from cherished family recipes passed down through generations, these delectable treats serve as a reminder of resilience and community in the face of adversity.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience on

• Saturday, June 1

• Saturday, June 8

• Saturday, June 15

• Wednesday, June 19

Book your Juneteenth Tea Cake Tour today and discover Black History stories that shaped our City's history at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. below. For Group Tours, please contact tours@heritagesociety.org.