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Thought-provoking history

Step into the past with Prelude to Juneteenth: Reclaiming the River on Sunday, June 15 at Jamestown Settlement. This immersive experience invites participants to view the documentary film, "Reclaiming the River: African American Life on Virginia's Waterways," and then paddle on waterways near the James River—the very waters that once bore witness to the earliest chapters of American history.

Join us at Jamestown Settlement on June 15 for thought-provoking history, a film and river paddle exploring the forgotten stories of the rivers of Central Virginia and the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth.

FILM AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT

At 1 p.m., view the documentary film, "Reclaiming the River: African American Life on Virginia's Waterways," which sheds light on African American contributions to river life of early America. Producer Horace Scruggs will share the process of creating the film and lessons that can be learned from the convergence of history, culture and the environment. The film was supported by Virginia Humanities.

At Jamestown Settlement, explore expansive exhibition galleries and films about the convergence of the Virginia Indian, European and West Central Africans in Virginia.

RIVER PADDLE

At 3:30 p.m., paddle out on Jamestown area waterways. The group, limited to 15 participants, will launch from the James City County Marina at 3 p.m. and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. Paddlers must be age 15+ and do not need to be expert kayakers but should be familiar with water safety and be comfortable on the river.

Tickets are $35 per person. Kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided by the James City County Parks and Recreation and are included in the program cost. Advance registration is required.

Learn more and register at jyfmuseums.org/events/programs-activities/juneteenth.

In honor of Juneteenth, admission to Jamestown Settlement and the Prelude to Juneteenth program is free on June 15 with advance registration. The river paddle is $35 and requires advance registration. On June 19, Juneteenth, admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is free for all.