The Role of Western Pennsylvania’s African-American Soldiers in the Civil War

Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85187388553?pwd=lEmfX8xWQCpcHL5Ue4ACiOaUo3lh0Z.1

Speaker: Michael Kraus, Curator of Collections at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum. Michael has authored books and articles on the Civil War; and he has contributed as an historical consultant to several Hollywood Civil War films (e.g., Gettysburg, and Cold Mountain). He wrote and appears in two series, “Civil War Minutes” and “Civil War Life,” which are currently available on Amazon Prime. Michael is an accomplished sculptor whose work includes a life size bronze of Col. Strong Vincent which stands in Erie, Pa. and he is active in monument restoration work, including restorations at Antietam National Battlefield. He has been a reenactor since 1966, and is currently the Captain of the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Reenactment unit.

Synopsis of Michael’s Talk: During the American Civil War, the door opened for enlistment of African Americans in 1863, 2 years into the war. Freemen, former slaves, and runaways flocked to join the Union Army in whose mission was to defend the Constitution and implement the Emancipation Proclamation. Michael will discuss how African Americans from Western Pennsylvania took part in this historic moment in time.