Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery

Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery The Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery was founded in 1996 by a group of concerned citizens.

We research the social history of Polktown, a free Black village just outside Delaware City. In Delaware City, Delaware lies an unheralded bit of American history – an unmarked cemetery containing the remains of generations of African-American people from our area. This cemetery is the burial place of 5 members of the US Colored Troops who served bravely on the side of the Union in the Civil War.

It is our mission to restore this cemetery, and to tell the story of the mostly forgotten people who lived, died, and were buried there.

A Wonderful Conclusion to the Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth ObservanceThe 2026 Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Obs...
06/21/2026

A Wonderful Conclusion to the Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance

The 2026 Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance concluded today with a worship service and community cookout hosted by Mt. Salem U.A.M.E. Church.

The afternoon brought together neighbors, families, and visitors for fellowship, music, food, and celebration. From the inspiring worship service to the shared meal and performances, the event reflected the spirit of Juneteenth - remembering the past, celebrating freedom, and strengthening community.

A special thank you to the members of Mt. Salem U.A.M.E. Church, FAUCC, volunteers, performers, and everyone who helped make this today's observance such a success. We are also grateful to all who attended programs throughout the past three weeks, from educational presentations and cultural programs to the commemorative service, cultural expo, Fort Delaware excursion, and today's gathering.

Juneteenth reminds us that history is not only remembered, it is shared, celebrated, and carried forward by each new generation.

Thank you for joining us.

06/21/2026

"Come On Up" - a song honoring Harriet Tubman.

Rev. Benjamin and the choir's powerful performance was one of many memorable moments from Friday's Juneteenth Commemoration. Music has always been an important part of telling the story of freedom, perseverance, and hope.

History comes alive at Fort Delaware!Participants in today's Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance traveled by fe...
06/20/2026

History comes alive at Fort Delaware!

Participants in today's Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance traveled by ferry to Fort Delaware State Park for a special presentation, "The History of Juneteenth," by historian Dr. Abdullah R. Muhammad.

The program explored the events that led to Juneteenth and the long journey from the Emancipation Proclamation to the arrival of freedom in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Attendees also began the day with a reading of General Order No. 3 at the Delaware City Ferry Dock before crossing the Delaware River to Fort Delaware.

Thank you to Dr. Muhammad, the Delaware City Public Library, Fort Delaware State Park, and everyone who joined us for this engaging program.

The Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance continues tomorrow with a Juneteenth Worship Service and Community Cookout at Mt. Salem U.A.M.E. Church.

The Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance Continues SundayAs we conclude this year's observance, join Mt. Salem U...
06/20/2026

The Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance Continues Sunday

As we conclude this year's observance, join Mt. Salem U.A.M.E. Church for a special Juneteenth Worship Service followed by a traditional community cookout and performances celebrating Black history and culture.

This gathering offers an opportunity for fellowship, reflection, and community as we honor the legacy of Juneteenth and those who came before us.

📅 Sunday, June 21 (Father's Day)
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 Mt. Salem U.A.M.E. Church
305 Fourth Street, Delaware City

Following the service, all are welcome to stay for the community cookout and celebration.

Learn more:
https://africanunioncemetery.org/juneteenth/

06/20/2026

A solemn and powerful conclusion to this morning's Juneteenth Commemoration at the African Union Church Cemetery.

As the notes of Taps echoed across the cemetery, we paused to honor those who came before us...men, women, and children whose lives, struggles, and perseverance helped shape our community and our nation.

May we continue to remember their stories, preserve their history, and carry their legacy forward.

What a wonderful Juneteenth Celebration and Black Expo!A heartfelt thank you to our many volunteers, performers, exhibit...
06/19/2026

What a wonderful Juneteenth Celebration and Black Expo!

A heartfelt thank you to our many volunteers, performers, exhibitors, speakers, and community partners who helped make the day such a success. Special thanks to the City of Delaware City for its ongoing support and partnership in helping bring this important celebration to our community.

Events like these are only possible because so many people come together to honor history, share culture, and build community. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the day memorable.

Behind every successful event is a team of volunteers... and eventually a break.A well-deserved pause for three Friends ...
06/19/2026

Behind every successful event is a team of volunteers... and eventually a break.

A well-deserved pause for three Friends of the African Union Church Cemetery volunteers during the Juneteenth celebration.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance possible!

06/19/2026

Special visitors at today's Delaware City-Polktown Juneteenth Observance!

The New Castle County Mounted Patrol stopped by the African Union Church Cemetery during this morning's commemoration, drawing plenty of attention from attendees.

Thank you to the Mounted Patrol for joining us as we honored freedom, history, and community on Juneteenth.

06/19/2026
The Delaware City–Polktown Juneteenth Commemoration is now underway. Thank you to everyone who joined us to honor the pa...
06/19/2026

The Delaware City–Polktown Juneteenth Commemoration is now underway. Thank you to everyone who joined us to honor the past, celebrate freedom, and continue sharing these important stories.

Address

PO Box 4200
Delaware City, DE
19706

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