A Free Public Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth, 5 pm. at the Boutwell House, 162 Main Street, Groton
In celebration of Juneteenth, 2025, on Thursday, June 19, at 5 pm, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee joins the Groton History Center in welcoming individuals and families to join in a free public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at the Boutwell House, 162 Main Street.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, abolishing the tradition of slavery that divided the country in battles that took more American lives than any war since. Lincoln's Proclamation put an end to slavery in America, and insured a Union victory in the Civil War. Its importance cannot be
overstated.
A curious backstory links the Proclamation intimately to Groton. After delivering his speech, Lincoln lent the original document for display at the Chicago Fair. A Mr. Byran, of Chicago, bought and donated the document to the Chicago Historical Society, where it remained in safekeeping until the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed a third of the city, the Emancipation Proclamation with it.
In what can only be called serendipitous, just before the Great Chicago Fire, the United States Sanitary Commission produced nine facsimile copies to be sold in a fundraiser to benefit Veterans of the Civil War. Of the six since accounted for, evidence suggests the copy owned by the Groton History Center may have been purchased by George S. Boutwell, former Governor of Massachusetts. A close friend of President Lincoln's, George Boutwell held key positions under both his and Ullyses S. Grant's administrations.
All are invited to attend this public reading and celebration at 5 pm, on Juneteenth (rain or shine) at the Boutwell House, 162 Main Street. (Universal access, and light refreshments served.) For more information visit grotonhistory.org, or grotonhistory@facebook.com, email infogrotonhistory.org, or call 978-448-0092.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, abolishing the tradition of slavery that divided the country in battles that took more American lives than any war since. Lincoln's Proclamation put an end to slavery in America, and insured a Union victory in the Civil War. Its importance cannot be
overstated.
A curious backstory links the Proclamation intimately to Groton. After delivering his speech, Lincoln lent the original document for display at the Chicago Fair. A Mr. Byran, of Chicago, bought and donated the document to the Chicago Historical Society, where it remained in safekeeping until the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed a third of the city, the Emancipation Proclamation with it.
In what can only be called serendipitous, just before the Great Chicago Fire, the United States Sanitary Commission produced nine facsimile copies to be sold in a fundraiser to benefit Veterans of the Civil War. Of the six since accounted for, evidence suggests the copy owned by the Groton History Center may have been purchased by George S. Boutwell, former Governor of Massachusetts. A close friend of President Lincoln's, George Boutwell held key positions under both his and Ullyses S. Grant's administrations.
All are invited to attend this public reading and celebration at 5 pm, on Juneteenth (rain or shine) at the Boutwell House, 162 Main Street. (Universal access, and light refreshments served.) For more information visit grotonhistory.org, or grotonhistory@facebook.com, email infogrotonhistory.org, or call 978-448-0092.
