The dedication of the new Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation Statue will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. outside the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, D.C. This free, outdoor celebration serves as a prelude to the museum’s grand reopening on Veterans Day, November 11, following its extensive renovation.
The statue, sculpted by Stan Watts, depicts Abraham Lincoln seated as he signs the Emancipation Proclamation, symbolizing freedom for enslaved people in the Confederate states. Installed earlier in September, the bronze work connects Lincoln’s decisive act to the heroism of the United States Colored Troops, whose sacrifice is also honored at the adjacent Spirit of Freedom monument.
The dedication, chaired by the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, will feature music, Civil War re-enactors, speakers, a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and light refreshments. The date of the unveiling holds special significance, marking the anniversary of Lincoln’s preliminary proclamation in 1862.
The Lincoln statue adds a powerful new element to the museum, which occupies the historic Grimké School. The museum has long highlighted the overlooked role of the 209,145 Black soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union during the Civil War. The unveiling underscores a narrative of freedom, courage, and resilience, while setting the stage for the museum’s renewed mission to educate future generations about this vital history.
Visitors and community members are invited to witness this historic and educational event, which promises to be both moving and inspiring as it celebrates freedom and union.
