News Summary
Williamsburg and the surrounding Historic Triangle in Virginia will commemorate Juneteenth as a national holiday. Government offices will close, while some services will adjust their schedules. The first official observance of Juneteenth on June 19 will see closures of municipal offices and libraries, though some recreational facilities will remain operational. Residents are reminded of waste management schedules as the holiday approaches.
Williamsburg, Virginia Adjusts Services for First National Juneteenth Holiday
Williamsburg and the surrounding Historic Triangle region in Virginia will observe Juneteenth as a national holiday on June 19, 2025, following the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act by President Joseph Biden on June 17, 2021. This significant holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and will see various government offices and services adjusting their schedules.
Government Closures and Adjustments
All James City County offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. However, the James City County Recreation Center will remain open to the public. The Abram Frink Jr. Community Center will not open on this date, as it will be closed for maintenance. Despite the closures, all county parks will be open year-round, and both Park Stores and Guest Services Offices in James City County will provide services as scheduled.
In addition, the Jolly Pond Road and Tewning Road Convenience Centers will operate normally on June 19, while the Toano Convenience Center will be closed on Thursdays. The Garbage Transfer Station in James City County will remain operational, and curbside recycling services won’t change due to the holiday.
Libraries in James City County, however, will be closed for the observance of Juneteenth.
In the adjacent City of Williamsburg, all municipal offices located in the Municipal Building on Lafayette Street will also be closed on June 19. The Quarterpath Recreation Center will have modified hours, closing until 5 p.m. before reopening for youth basketball practices. Meanwhile, Waller Mill Park will follow regular operating hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Waste Management Details
For garbage collection, Williamsburg residents will stick to their regular schedule on both Monday and Tuesday, although recycling collection will not take place on June 19. Residents facing water emergencies after hours, weekends, and holidays should contact the municipal service line. A 24-hour bill payment dropbox is available for citizens, but payments made on June 19 will be processed on June 20.
York County’s Holiday Observance
York County will also acknowledge Juneteenth with all government offices and courts closed on June 19. Despite the holiday, garbage and recycling services will remain unaffected. Residents in York County are reminded to place their trash and recycling out by 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection day.
The York County Transfer Station, Recycling Drop-off, and VPPSA Compost Facility at the Waste Management Center will be open on June 19. Residents needing assistance can utilize the Customer Service Request Portal on the York County website, and questions regarding waste management schedules can be directed to the designated hotline.
Historical Context
Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery—a significant event in American history. The establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday underscores the importance of recognizing and commemorating this crucial milestone in the nation’s journey toward equality and justice.
As local governments in the Historic Triangle prepare for the first official observance of this important holiday, citizens are encouraged to note these changes in service and take time to reflect on the history and significance of Juneteenth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Juneteenth Celebrations Planned in Greater Williamsburg
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Juneteenth Closures Around the Historic Triangle
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- ABC11: Juneteenth Events in Central North Carolina
- Google Search: Juneteenth 2025 Events
- News & Observer: Juneteenth Celebrations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Celebrate Juneteenth
- Google News: Juneteenth Celebrations
- WSB Radio: Cobb County Juneteenth Celebration
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
