Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on
January 1, 1863 as a precursor to the abolishment of slavery upon the
ratification of the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The first Watch Night services were held on New Year’s Eve,
1862, in anticipation of the date when slaves were proclaimed free in states in
rebellion against the United States. This year, the anniversary of the
Proclamation will be celebrated by the National Archives with viewings of the
original Proclamation, musical performances, a dramatic reading and panel
discussions.
