In observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday, all Beaufort County government buildings will be closed Thursday, June 19. They will reopen Friday, June 20.

Convenience Centers in Beaufort County will be closed Thursday, June 19. They will resume normal operating schedules Friday, June 20.

Operations and services at the Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport will remain available during the holiday.

Emergency services and law enforcement personnel will remain available.

According to the United States Capitol Historical Society website, on June 19th, 1865, over 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received news of their emancipation, marking a significant milestone in American history. This pivotal event commemorated the birth of Black Independence Day, a celebration embraced by African Americans across the nation.

Following the end of the Civil War, Juneteenth celebrations emerged as a tradition among formerly enslaved individuals and their families. These celebrations initially took place in Texas but spread to other states where Black communities resided. On June 17, 2021 President Joe Biden signed, with Members of Congress, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act at the White House.