Juneteenth National Freedom Day celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, marking June 19, 1865, when the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached slaves in Galveston Texas, more than two years after it was signed.
Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts and animal shelter will be closed in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day on Monday, June 20th. However, regular trash, recycling and food scrap/yard trim services will be in effect and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open.
While county parks, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will be open on the 20th, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Belmont Manor and Historic Park, Firehouse Museum and the Patapsco Female Institute will be closed. The Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum and the Robinson Nature Center will be open. In addition, county historic sites will be closed Friday, June 18th, but open on Saturday, June 19th and Sunday, June 20th. The Ellicott City Colored School Restored will be closed on Friday, but open on Saturday and Sunday.
The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a regular weekday schedule; for more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect.
The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200.
County operations will resume on Tuesday, June 21st, at regular business hours.