The Healing Rhythm of the Drums
About This Event
The Healing Rhythm of the Drums is a cross-cultural Juneteenth ceremony held at the African Burying Ground Memorial Park in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM. The gathering opens with a Native American blessing, continues with the public reading of the names of Portsmouth's enslaved Africans interred at the site, and culminates in African drumming and dance honoring ancestors. Free and open to all, the ceremony is one of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire's signature Juneteenth observances and typically draws community members from across the Seacoast region. The African Burying Ground was rediscovered in 2003 during a street project and consecrated as a memorial park in 2015.
📅 When
June 19, 2026
📍 Where
African Burying Ground Memorial Park, 386 State Street, Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, NH
💵 Price
Free
👤 Organizer
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
Connect with Organizer
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Suggest a photo →What to expect at this Juneteenth event
Juneteenth events combine celebration, reflection, and community. Programming generally includes live performances, food, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn about the history of June 19, 1865 — when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally heard they were free. Most events welcome all ages and backgrounds; arriving early helps secure a good spot.
About Juneteenth in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, NH marks Juneteenth alongside hundreds of other US cities, with celebrations rooted in local Black history and shaped by the people, churches, and community organizations that have sustained the day for generations. Whether you’re attending your first Juneteenth or your fortieth, the goal is the same: gather, remember, and celebrate freedom together. Our directory currently lists 3 additional Juneteenth events in Portsmouth.
Other Juneteenth events in Portsmouth
Frequently asked questions
- When is The Healing Rhythm of the Drums?
- June 19, 2026. Confirm exact start times with the organizer (Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire) before traveling.
- Where is The Healing Rhythm of the Drums held?
- African Burying Ground Memorial Park, 386 State Street, Portsmouth, NH, Portsmouth, NH. Check the event website for parking and accessibility details.
- Is this event free to attend?
- Yes. This Juneteenth event is free and open to the public. Some sub-events (food, vendor purchases, optional workshops) may have separate costs.
- What should I bring?
- Plan for outdoor weather. Bring sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, a hat or umbrella, cash for vendors (some are cash-only), and a portable phone charger. If chairs aren’t provided, a foldable seat or blanket is useful.
- Is the event family-friendly?
- Most Juneteenth celebrations welcome all ages. Family-specific programming varies by event — many include kids’ zones, face painting, and family activities. Strollers are usually welcome at outdoor venues.