83rd Carver Day Celebration at George Washington Carver National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument is pleased to announce the park’s annual Carver Day celebration to be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating the life of George Washington Carver and the establishment of the national monument in his honor. This year we are commemorating the 83rd anniversary of George Washington Carver’s passing and the subsequent establishment of the national park on July 14, 1943, the first one to honor an African American. The event is free of charge.
Guest speakers include Peter Duncan Burchard, Carver scholar and author of George Washington Carver, A Great Soul. Sandra Knauf is a nature writer, author and publisher. Knauf’s presentation is entitled, The Gospel of Regeneration: George Washington Carver’s Legacy in Soil, Society and Soul.
Music is a huge part of the Carver Day fun. Musical performers this year include Arlecia Elkamil & band. Arlecia is a multi-instrumentalist and singer. Kufara Marimba Band, a Zimbabwean- style ensemble, will perform and local church choirs are also invited. Gospel singing group Sensational Wonders return to the music tent.
Paxton Williams will perform his legendary role as George Washington Carver in his original one person show Listening to the Sill Small Voice.
Carver Day is also a time for kids to explore the park and connect to the child who was born here over 150 years ago. There will be guided tours, Junior Ranger activities, and more. The Diamond Lions Club will provide food concessions.
Carver Day celebrates the African American experience through speakers, storytelling, music, and educational programs. In keeping with Carver’s legacy of accessible and affordable education, Carver Day, like all our programs, is free of charge. Carver Day is presented in partnership with the Carver Birthplace Association.
Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver – scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.