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1776-2026: The Dream Still Shines at Dawn’s Early Light!
January 5, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Whether we call it the Semiquincentennial, America250, the Quarter Millennial, the Sestercentennial, or simply the 250th birthday of the boldest experiment in self-government, 2026 rises like a new dawn—filled with promise, reflection, and hope for every American and every friend of liberty across the world.
The front page below, taken from a newspaper celebrating the Centennial Fourth of July in 1876, carries us back to that earlier moment of celebration—a time when a young nation looked proudly to its past and eagerly toward its future. It reminds us of the countless generations whose courage and sacrifices made possible Franklin D. Roosevelt’s enduring truth:
“We are a nation of many nationalities, many races, many religions—bound together by a single unity, the unity of freedom and equality.”
That vision still lights our way. Yet we are also called to remember Frederick Douglass’s wise and urgent reminder, spoken on the 23rd anniversary of emancipation in the District of Columbia:
“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous.”
As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, may we lift our hearts in gratitude for the Divine grace that has guided us through triumph and trial alike. And as we look ahead, may we renew our shared promise—to preserve every hard-won freedom and to keep lifting the banner of justice, opportunity, and dignity for all who call this land home.
Here’s to the journey still unfolding. Here’s to the dream still alive.
Happy 250th, America!
June 19, 1865 – The historical foundation of “Juneteenth”…
June 19, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
“Juneteenth”, also known as “Freedom Day”, traces its roots to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, officially freeing the last enslaved people in the western Confederacy. Though President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, its enforcement relied on Union military presence, leaving remote areas like Texas unaware of their liberty until Granger’s announcement more than two years later.
In the years that followed, formerly enslaved communities in Texas and beyond began marking June 19th with readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, songs like “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and family gatherings. These early observances blended solemn reflection on the horrors of slavery with joyful celebration of resilience and community, laying the groundwork for a distinctly African American holiday honoring freedom and heritage.
Though Texas led the way by making Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980, its recognition spread gradually until June 17, 2021, when it became a federal holiday—Juneteenth National Independence Day. Today, Juneteenth invites all Americans to reflect on our nation’s delayed promise of liberty, celebrate African American culture, and renew the commitment to racial equality and justice.
Since Juneteenth’s elevation to a federal holiday in 2021, collectors have eagerly hunted for contemporary newspaper accounts of those first celebrations following General Granger’s Order. Yet, such early reports remain elusive—a notable exception being a brief item in the June 21, 1866 issue of The New York Times (shown below).
Although firsthand press coverage is scarce, that scarcity in no way diminishes the profound significance of American slavery’s end. Our nation’s work to fulfill the promise enshrined in the Declaration of Independence—“that all men are created equal” and endowed with “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”—remains unfinished. We must press on with unwavering resolve, viewing one another through the lens of divine dignity birthed by our Creator and allowing that vision to guide how we honor and uplift each and every person.
For those who would like to explore additional related topics through the eyes of “rare & early” newspapers, feel free to peruse the issues found through the following links:
Slavery
Emancipation
Abolition
Let Freedom Ring. . . The Emancipation Proclamation …
January 13, 2025 by Laura Heilenman · 2 Comments
Free Speech, whether in verbal or written form is the underpinning of our union and the lifeblood of our republic … a gift to humanity and while all speech should be protected, there is something particularly irresistible about some words. Poetry can offer a respite for the soul while lyrics coupled with melody can cause the spirit to soar. Similarly, words of freedom spoken by someone who has the power to bring them to pass ushers in hope and therefore courage for a new day.
Such is the case with The Emancipation Proclamation. . . speech breaking chains, setting captives free and restoring hope to the human soul. For this reason, when we have the opportunity to see these words in print, we are witnessing a powerful moment for good in our country’s (albeit imperfect) varied history. While taking decades longer than we may have wished for, the power of this pivotal moment should not be lost on America’s people; but rather, give us courage and boldness to guard its foundational gift.
PS Thanks goes out to our friends in Great Britain for helping to pave the way.
Frederick Douglass – A true American hero…
August 15, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · 2 Comments
I’m currently reading “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass”, and I must say, although I have always appreciated his accomplishments and admired him for his perseverance and tenacity as he moved from slavery to freedom, and then on to being a passionate herald for the freedom and equal right of others, over the past few weeks my eyes have been opened to his astounding skills as both a writer and orator. The fact that his cause resonates deep within me makes this revelation even more satisfying.
The quote shown above is from the introduction penned by George L. Ruffin. I couldn’t help but smile upon reading his statement about the value of historic newspapers as primary source material. While I personally prefer the label “contextual-source material”, he certainly seems to grasp the point – and the fact that Douglass himself was a long-time publisher of what we now refer to as rare & early newspapers only adds to the statement’s relevance.
Considering much was also written about (and by) Frederick Douglass in the newspapers of his day, please forgive me if I indulge readers of this blog with related posts over the next few months. At my age, placing the quest to explore more about his life on the backburner would likely be tantamount to tossing it into the recycling bin. Therefore, there is no time like the present. Thanks in advance for your understanding. If anyone would like to contribute a post regarding his life and can tether it to a newspaper (or newspapers) from the past, please be in touch (guy@rarenewspapers.com).
Freedom is never free…
July 4, 2014 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
The following chart found in the National Intelligencer from November 23, 1848 reminds us freedom is never free. Let’s never forget the cost paid by those who were willing to pay the ultimate price to obtain that which we so often take for granted.