African Americans and the Civil War

Speaker: Kathy Trusty

Suitable for Schools · Grades 1–12

Culture & Identity • History

At first they were not allowed to fight. Then they were and more than 180,000 signed up. This presentation discusses African Americans, free and enslaved, and their role in the Civil War. It examines the challenges they faced and puts a face to soldiers who fought valiantly for the Union cause and freedom.

For more specialized interests, host organizations can choose from the focuses below for a portion of the presentation:

Image: The Gallant Charge of the Fifty Fourth Massachusetts (Colored) Regiment

African Americans and the Civil War School Program

The presentation on African Americans and the Civil War is available by topic for K-12 schools. The presentations are shorter, approximately 20 minutes each, which leaves time for activities which are included.

Teacher/Coordinator will have the option of choosing one of the following topics below for their classroom presentation. All presentations include the Civil War artifacts display.

Activities

Below are some possible activities that can be included in each presentation. Adjustments and specializations are possible according to each classroom’s needs.