Fighting for Freedom and Protesting for Civil Rights

The Alexandria Historical Society presents History Behind the Scenes, a series of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the organization.

Step back in time with the Alexandria Historical Society (AHS) as Board Members lead a tour to explore the experiences of African American soldiers in our city during the Civil War. After President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,1863, more than 200,000 African American men enlisted in the Union Army. The United States Colored Troops (USCT) valiantly fought for the freedom of those enslaved and changed the course of the war. With Alexandria occupied by the federal government and serving as a staging ground and supply center for the war effort, many USCT found themselves on the streets of our city. Often sent here for treatment of diseases or battleground injuries, some sadly succumbed to their illnesses, not living long in freedom.

Paula Whitacre, a member of the AHS Board of Directors and author of A Civil Life in an Uncivil Time, will begin the tour with introductory remarks that provide the context for understanding the history of African American soldiers in Alexandria during the war.

Dr. Pamela Cressey, current President of AHS and retired City Archaeologist, will lead participants around the site of L’Ouverture Hospital, a state-of-the art facility for its time. Built originally for treatment of the USCT, L”Ouverture also served the large community of freedom-seekers who made their way to the city during the war.

David Heiby, AHS Treasurer and founder of Gravestone Stories, will take us to the Alexandria National Cemetery to highlight the lives and contributions of the USCT buried there.

Tickets are limited. For registration, including package deals on this event and special membership options, click here: https://sites.google.com/view/alexandria-historical-society/events/usct-tour?authuser=0

Alexandria National Cemetery Image, Library of Congress, Brady Collection

URLs:
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2502720-0?pid=176 
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2502720-2?pid=176 

Category: Community | History

Prices:
Members of AHS: USD 15.00,
Non-Members of AHS: USD 25.00

Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM