Juneteenth on Nantucket
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL HOENK
Nantucket celebrated Juneteenth over the weekend with two events. On Friday, the Nantucket Cemetery Commission dedicated a new monument to Absalom Boston, one of the few known Black whaling-era captains of the 19th century, whose family lived on Nantucket and is buried at the Historic Coloured Cemetery. The monument also honors Absalom’s wife and prominent historical community member Hannah Cook.
A “Juneteenth Block Party” followed on Saturday at the African Meeting House on Nantucket, part of the Museum of African American History. The celebration included a Juneteenth-themed market for arts and crafts and food, with opening remarks by Dr. Noelle Trent, president & CEO of the museum, along with theatrical and musical performances.
