Juneteenth in Caroline County: The Witness Tree Ceremony
*This is an external event lead by community partners.
This year, we're honored to support Juneteenth in Caroline County on Maryland's Eastern Shore—a deeply meaningful celebration organized by local community members centering Black ancestral traditions and the ongoing quest for liberation.
The Witness Tree Ceremony
Friday, June 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Mount Pleasant Acres Farms
22239 Marsh Creek Road, Preston, MD 21655
This sacred ceremony takes place at the Witness Tree, standing tall on land stewarded by Auntie Donna Dear and Auntie Paulette Green. This is the same land where Harriet Tubman's family lived—a well-known stop on the Underground Railroad where freedom-seekers would pray at the Witness Tree for protection before navigating North to freedom.
Ceremony Details
Facilitated by Je'Kendria of The Conjure Creative, the ceremony will feature:
Ancestral libations and sound healing from Dr. Michelle B. Hammond
Witness Tree storytelling by the Aunties
Storytelling about quilt-making and the tulip poplar tree by artist Robin Caudell
Collective singing, prayer, celebration, and conjuring toward Black liberation
Event Logistics
The tree is a 20-minute walk from the farm site
Transportation available from farm base at 10:00 AM
The site is in the woods—dress appropriately
Bring your own blankets and chairs if possible
The ceremony centers Black ancestral traditions and Black people, particularly descendants of the enslaved, though all are welcome
Full Festival: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM featuring speakers, food, vendors, arts & crafts, live music, and more
About Mount Pleasant Acres Farms & The Aunties
Mount Pleasant Acres Farms is a loving, culturally-centered space on Maryland's Eastern Shore, stewarded by Auntie Paulette Green and Auntie Donna Dear. Their work preserves and honors the profound history of this land and keeps the legacy of the Witness Tree alive for future generations.
Chesapeake Conjure Society will be there as support, and we pray to see you there this Juneteenth.
For more information: juneteenthincc@gmail.com