National Juneteenth Museum Receives $3 Million Donation on Opal Lee’s 100th Birthday
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated $3 million to support the construction of the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
Building the Future Fort Worth Museum
The upcoming facility expands upon a smaller Juneteenth museum that Lee operated in the area for many years. The new 50,000-square-foot complex will feature educational spaces, a theater, gathering areas, and specialized exhibits. A focal point of the development is the FamilySearch-powered genealogy center, designed to help families trace historical records that have traditionally been difficult to locate. National Juneteenth Museum CEO Jarred Howard called the milestone an incredible day for the history of the movement and the city of Fort Worth.
Faith Communities Connect Through Service
Church collaboration on the project developed over several years, including a 2022 visit by Lee to church headquarters in Salt Lake City. Elder Michael A. Dunn, president of the church's southwest U.S. area, attended the Wednesday ceremony to start construction. Local church members near Fort Worth have previously participated in regional Juneteenth celebrations and the annual Opal Lee Walk for Freedom to build interfaith relationships through service and outreach. Alongside the museum contribution, the church also delivered 38,000 pounds of food to five area food banks as part of a broader effort to provide 250 truckloads of food commemorating the country’s 250th anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Museum Project
What features will the National Juneteenth Museum include?
The 50,000-square-foot facility will contain exhibits, educational spaces, a theater, community gathering areas, and a dedicated genealogy center powered by FamilySearch.
Who is Opal Lee?
Opal Lee is a retired teacher, counselor, and civil rights activist widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” for her successful decades-long advocacy to establish June 19 as a federal holiday.
How does the FamilySearch genealogy center assist visitors?
The center focuses specifically on preserving historical records and personal stories for African American families that have historically been difficult to trace.
What other community contributions accompanied the museum donation?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also donated 38,000 pounds of food to five local food banks in the Fort Worth area.