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Prelude to Juneteenth: ‘Reclaiming the River’ Movie – Free
June 15, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Prelude to Juneteenth: Reclaiming the River & Paddle the River at the Jamestown Settlement on June 15, 2025 – Get Tickets!
Set sail through history!
‘Reclaiming the River’ Movie – Free • 1 pm
Paddle the River • 3 – 5:30 p.m
Join the journey at Jamestown Settlement on Sunday, June 15 at 1 p.m. for an afternoon of powerful storytelling, a compelling film, and a guided river paddle.
Explore the untold stories of central Virginia’s rivers and the fragile path to freedom — from 17th-century Jamestown all the way to Juneteenth. It’s history with heart, on the water and beyond.
‘Reclaiming the River’ Movie – Free
You need to get a ticket for this movie – even though it is free Reserve Your Seat
“Reclaiming the River: African American Life on Virginia’s Waterways,” sheds light on African American contributions to river life of early America. Producer Horace Scruggs will share the process of creating the film and lessons that can be learned from the convergence of history, culture and the environment. The film was supported by Virginia Humanities.
Scruggs, who retired from public education in 2020, produced a documentary film about African American history of Fluvanna County, which was featured by the Fluvanna County Arts Council, Montpelier Juneteenth celebration and Maupintown Film Festival in Charlottesville, Va.
His other Virginia Humanities films focus on the social, cultural and economic impact of American slavery in central Virginia, the land of his ancestors. Using still photography, video, traditional and drone cameras, he offers scenes that are personal, impactful and support the historical efforts of other local organizations.
Admission to Jamestown Settlement is free to attend Juneteenth programming. Advance registration is required to view the “Reclaiming the River” film.
Paddle the River • 3 – 5:30 p.m. • $35 per person
After the film presentation, paddle out on Jamestown area waterways. The group, limited to 15 participants, will launch from the James City County Marina at 3 p.m. and return at approximately 5:30 p.m. Paddlers must be age 15+ and do not need to be expert kayakers but should be familiar with water safety and be comfortable on the river.
Tickets are $35 per person. Kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided by the James City County Parks and Recreation and are included in the program cost. Advance registration is required.
Juneteenth at Jamestown Settlement
Admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is free on June 19, the official Juneteenth holiday.
