The Taste of Freedom - Jun 2026

📅 20 June 2026 | 📍 Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum

Join Donna Rae Pearson as she shares the story of Juneteenth from Emancipation to its modern celebration. The Taste of Freedom: A Juneteenth Foodways Journey explores the history of Kansas’s African American history of celebrating freedom, which began with “Emancipation Day” celebrations in communities across the state long before Juneteenth became a national holiday. Audience members will explore the holiday’s key symbols and discuss its modern expression in large community events and communal meals that echo the spirit of Black family reunions. As Pearson shares stories about popular food traditions associated with the holiday, audience members will have the opportunity to enjoy a “celebration red drink.”

Pearson, a historian and researcher of African American heritage in Kansas, will be presenting at 11:00am and 2:00pm on June 20 at Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.

Funding for this Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions program is provided by Humanities Kansas, with support from the State of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.

The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is located at 120 E Mill Street. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm.