A SIGNATURE EVENING OF PURPOSE
The Conductor’s
Ball
An evening of elegance. A legacy of freedom.
Celebrate a cherished Johnson House tradition, first held in 2011 and brought back in 2026, uniting people around history, leadership, community and a mission worth sustaining.
REMEMBER2026 • A CALL TO COURAGE & COMMUNITY
MORE THAN A GALA
An enduring tradition,
beautifully renewed.
First convened in 2011, the Conductor’s Ball returned in 2026 as a gathering of civic leaders, neighbors, advocates and supporters united by one purpose: carrying the story of freedom forward.
Johnson House Historic Site hopes to build on this renewed celebration and establish the Ball as a recurring tradition that honors leadership while generating sustained support for historic preservation, education and the Center for Social Advocacy.
Help build the traditionA celebration that began a special chapter in Johnson House’s fundraising history.
The second Conductor’s Ball brought the community together for an evening of reflection and recognition.
Building toward an annual gathering with lasting community and philanthropic impact.
THE 2026 CELEBRATION
A Call to Courage
and Community.
On Friday, June 12, 2026, guests gathered at the Germantown Cricket Club for the return of the Conductor’s Ball — an evening honoring people who carry the Johnson family’s legacy of courage, truth and service into the present.
THE PEOPLE · THE MOMENTS · THE LEGACY
A night to remember.
From meaningful tributes to joyful reunions, explore moments from the Ball. Add the official event photographs below as they become available.
began.
More memories are on the way.
Archival photographs from the inaugural 2011 Ball will appear here when available.
Photographs and captions will be added and updated from the WordPress Media Library.
LEADERSHIP WORTH CELEBRATING
2026 distinguished honorees.
The evening recognized individuals whose leadership, scholarship and cultural work connect historical memory with community progress.
DECongressman
Dwight Evans
Recognizing public service and community-focused leadership.
EADr. Erica
Armstrong-Dunbar
Celebrating scholarship and storytelling that make history visible.
RMRosalyn J.
McPherson
Honoring cultural leadership that connects heritage and community.
WITH GRATITUDE FOR AN EVENING WELL GUIDED
Celebrating our emcee.
BETH GONZALEZ MASTER OF CEREMONIES, 2026
With appreciation to Beth Gonzalez for serving as emcee and helping bring the evening’s program and community celebration together.
““The Johnson family, guided by their Quaker faith, opened their doors to enslaved Africans making their courageous journey toward freedom through the Underground Railroad. Today, the Johnson House stands as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of freedom and justice continues through the courage, compassion, and collective commitment of a community dedicated to preserving history and inspiring future generations.” — Beth Gonzales Emcee, 2026 Conductor’s Ball Johnson House Historic Site, Board Member”
THE EVENING, IN MOTION
Watch the highlights.
Revisit remarks, live performances and memorable moments. Video selections can be added any time.
The story continues on screen.
Video highlights, remarks and performances from the Ball will appear here when uploaded. You can add links from WordPress settings at any time.
THE IMPACT OF AN EVENING
One unforgettable night.
A lasting legacy.
Support for the Conductor’s Ball strengthens the mission of Johnson House Historic Site and the Center for Social Advocacy.
LOOKING AHEAD · THE CONDUCTOR’S BALL
The next chapter begins with you.
We hope to establish the Conductor’s Ball as an annual tradition. The next date, venue, and ticketing details will be announced once confirmed.
A GATHERING WITH PURPOSE
Join us for the next chapter.
Whether you attend, sponsor, give, or help introduce new supporters, your participation can sustain Johnson House’s preservation and educational work.
Explore sponsorship opportunitiesBUILD THE NEXT CHAPTER WITH US
An invitation to partner.
We welcome early conversations with businesses, foundations, patrons and community leaders interested in supporting future editions of the Ball.
Corporate & Foundation Partnerships
Align your organization with preservation, cultural heritage and community impact through a tailored partnership.
Explore sponsorshipInvest in This Historic Site
Support year-round preservation, educational experiences and programming that extends beyond one gala evening.
Explore giving opportunitiesJoin the Next Conversation
Interested in hosting, donating an auction experience, supporting a future Ball or building a multi-year relationship?
Start a conversationAfter the Ball’s return in 2026, we are exploring a recurring annual celebration. The date and ticketing for the next event have not yet been announced.
Explore future plansGOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked
questions.
For media requests, partnership discussions and future event inquiries, please contact Johnson House Historic Site.
Contact our team ↗Is the Conductor’s Ball becoming an annual event?
Following the 2011 inaugural Ball and its return in 2026, Johnson House hopes to establish a regular annual tradition. Future dates will be published when confirmed.
How can my organization become a sponsor?
We welcome conversations with corporate partners, foundations, family philanthropies and individual patrons. Visit the sponsorship opportunities page or contact our team to explore a customized partnership.
Can we submit photographs or video?
Contact Johnson House before submitting event media. Our team reviews event materials and permissions before adding content to this page.
When will tickets for the next Ball be available?
A date and ticketing information for a future Ball have not yet been announced. Check the Events page for updates.