Sail250®in Portsmouth: Juneteenth Commemoration with History Alive
June 19 @ 9:00 am - 8:30 pm
Where to find history alive
6/19/2026
Underground Railroad Excursion
This lively excursion begins with a tour of the perfect stop on the UGRR: Emanuel AME. From there, guests are guided through the street of Historic Olde Towne by historic figures from Portsmouth’s past, and meet other figures along the way. Spirituals are sung as guests travel from stop to stop, ending at the waterfront in time to get a great view of the Parade of Sail!
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Starts at Emanuel AME Ends at High Street Landing
6/19/2026
Parade of Sail
Vocalist Nailah Norman will preview JUNETEENTH the song from the deck of Gazela as the tall ship enters Portsmouth’s harbor as the Parade of Sail celebrates Freedom Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary with over 60 international tall ships and military vessels. The parade begins at 7 a.m. near the Lesner Bridge, traveling 26 nautical miles to Portsmouth by noon, featuring a Navy Blue Angels flyover.
12 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Starts at Emanuel AME Ends at High Street Landing
6/19/2026
Sounds Like Freedom
Local stories of the Underground Railroad are told in vignette and monologue, woven together with narration and spirituals.
1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Performed on the Green Street Stage
6/19/2026
Place of Our Own: The Story of the Maroons
What hardships would you endure to live free…to have a place to call your own…to create a community where all are equal.
2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Performed on the Green Street Stage
6/19/2026
Underground Railroad Excursion
This lively excursion begins with a tour of the perfect stop on the UGRR: Emanuel AME.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Starts at Emanuel AME Ends at High Street Landing