Building the Legacy of Freedom with NJM

As a native Texan and a proud Fort Worth local, I’m excited to share an opportunity that’s deeply personal to me: building the National Juneteenth Museum (NJM) in my hometown. 

NJM will not only celebrate and educate about Juneteenth — the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom — but also stand as a beacon for Black and African American history, culture, and community.

As a board member and chair of the Content & Exhibition Committee, I’m thrilled to play a role in shaping the museum’s exhibitions and public programming. 

My background in art history and my passion for museums & education — particularly when it comes to making learning accessible to all — led me to this project. I am focused on the importance of context and inclusion in how we present history, whether in a museum space or online. 

Having taught courses about curation and museums at my alma mater, Williams College, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to create spaces where all people feel invited, informed, and inspired.

At NJM, we're working with the innovative exhibition design firm Local Projects to bring the museum’s story to life. 

We've already developed the core concept for the exhibitions, and our next phase will be to refine the details and create truly impactful, engaging spaces for visitors. Our goal is to make the museum not only a place of historical reflection but a vibrant cultural hub for the community. 

In addition to exhibits, the museum will host guest lectures, performances, community events, and more. The space will also feature a food hall with emerging chef concepts and a business incubator to support local entrepreneurship.

Last year, we kicked off our Uniting Voices speaker series with Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, and Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” It was a powerful start to the Juneteenth weekend and just one example of how NJM will continue to be a catalyst for conversations on freedom, justice, and equality.

We’re halfway through our capital campaign to fund the construction and programming of this incredible 50,000-square-foot museum, and the support we've received so far has been nothing short of inspiring. Last year, we earned the “Fab Freshman Award” on North Texas Giving Day, thanks to the amazing outpouring of donations. 

As we approach groundbreaking, I’m asking for your help to keep this momentum going.

From now until September 19th, you can make a donation to support the National Juneteenth Museum as part of North Texas Giving Day. Your contribution will help us create a community space that will serve and inspire future generations.

The NJM is more than a museum — it’s a legacy in the making. Together, we can honor the story of Juneteenth and ensure that its message of freedom and equality is shared with the world.

Thank you so much for your support!

Katherine Conaway
Board Member, National Juneteenth Museum
Chair, Content & Exhibition Committee