Massachusetts will recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday this year.
In observance of the holiday, Wellesley will follow a limited holiday schedule with some municipal buildings closed on Friday, June 18 and others closed on Saturday, June 19.
June 19, or Juneteenth, is a significant day in Black American history as it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On this date in 1865 the last slaves in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
In July 2020, Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation celebrating the day as a new State holiday.
Closed on Friday, June 18:
- Wellesley Town Hall
- Wellesley Public Schools (No Students, Buildings WILL BE OPEN for teachers & staff)
Closed on Saturday, June 19:
- Wellesley RDF (Closed all day) OPEN on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wellesley Free Library (All branches)
Regular business hours resume on June 21. As a reminder, all Wellesley municipal buildings have reopened with masks encouraged for individuals not yet fully vaccinated.