Gammon House President Dale Henry kicked off Juneteenth festivities in Springfield with a warm welcome to everyone followed by a groundbreaking ceremony in conjunction with the city for Gammon Square. Gammon Square is a conceptual plan designed to increase the stature and presence of the historic 19th century Gammon House, a site on the Underground Railroad. The project’s initial phase will include new brick pavers and the creation of access for tour buses. 

     A hoped for future phase will culminate in a Gammon House Interpretive Center to be known as Gammon Green. In this regard, President Henry announced the contribution of a new Gammon House bench in memory of Dr. Henry “Hank” Jud, by Dr. Jud’s family, along with the family’s establishment of the Dr. Henry Jud Memorial Fund in Support of a Future Gammon House Interpretive Center. Immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Jud’s granddaughter Jasmine Sampson presided at the dedication of the new bench, which faces one donated previously by the Springfield Chapter of The Links. The family members served light Juneteenth refreshments.

     Additional Gammon House Juneteenth events included the annual George & Sarah Gammon 5K Run/Walk/Discover, the Juneteenth FatherFest Prayer Breakfast, and the Juneteenth FatherFest Celebration.

     The Gammon House currently offers tours during select community events and is open the first Saturday of the month from 1 to 3 pm. Visit the Gammon House website for additional information and to schedule group tours.

     The Dr. Henry Jud Fund in Support of a Future Gammon House Interpretive Center is endowed through the Springfield Foundation.