The Galveston Historical Foundation has announced the early stages of its plans to create a national Juneteenth center to honor the birthplace of what is now a federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.

The foundation announced Monday that it will begin seeking a master planning partner for the project next month. A request for qualifications will be released on Nov. 3, and interested parties will have until Dec. 22 to submit their applications. A request for proposals will be sent to finalists in February, and a final announcement is set to be made in April.

"Galveston is where Juneteenth began, and where its story continues to live," Alice Gatson, chair of the foundation’s African American Heritage Committee, said in the announcement. "Juneteenth's home brings a p

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