It is easy, when researching genealogy or studying history in general, to get lost in the names and the dates, and forget that this was a living, breathing world, as vibrant as our own. Those names were people, the dates were events in their lives and memories being formed in their minds.
One of the most exciting ways to remind ourselves of this, is to immerse ourselves in their world and experience the history first-hand. Living history groups exist for nearly all time periods, and dedicate themselves to recreating the world of our ancestors.
Today’s edition (May 28, 2009) of the Washington Informer (Washington, D. C.), recounted a reenactment performed by members of the Company B, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment reenactment group, at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia African American Museum in Southeast Washington, this past Saturday, May 23, 2009. Quarter Master Sergeant Louis Carter and Staff Sergeant Robert Young demonstrated various aspects of the life of a soldier, including setting up tents and the operation of various period weapons – all while fully dressed in the costume of a member of the U. S. Colored Troops.
Originally authorized by Governor John A. Andrew of Massachusetts in March 1861, the 54th Massachusetts – a regiment composed almost entirely of free African-Americans – was banned from military service due to federal law until 1863. Once , the regiment was officially organized, and became the first all-black regiment to fight during the Civil War. Many of its soldiers came from other northern states to join the regiment, including two sons of Frederick Douglass. The first battle against Confederate forces occurred on July 16, 1863, at James Island, South Carolina. Two days later, on July 18, though suffering heavy casualties, including its commanding officer and nearly 300 soldiers, the regiment fought with celebrated heroism in an assault on Fort Wagner, near Charleston, South Carolina. The bravery with which these soldiers fought was instrumental in the growth of the Bureau of Colored Troops, and continued enlistment of African-American soldiers. There is a permanent monument to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry standing on Boston Commons.
The following sites represent several active Civil War reenactment groups for various regiments of the U. S. Colored Troops:
· 3rd U. S. Colored Infantry (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
· 6th Regiment U. S. Colored Troops Reenactors (Trenton, New Jersey)
· 8th United States Colored Infantry, Company A (Central Pennsylvania)
· 8th United States Colored Troops (USCT), Company B (Tampa Bay, Florida)
· 13th United States Colored Troops Living History Association (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
· 14th Rhode Island Reenactors Program (Providence, Rhode Island)
· 38th United States Colored Troops, Company D (Richmond/Central Virginia)
· Company B, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Washington, D. C.)
The above list of regiments is certainly not all of the available regiments, nor even all of those available online. If you know of any additional Civil War reenactment units for regiments of the United States Colored Troops, please share the contact information as a comment to this article.
For more information on Civil War reenactment events in your area, contact the organizations listed above, or take a look at the following sites:
Comments
Seek descendants of, information on, Sgt. Theodore Bellinger, Co. C, 128th Colored Troops, died Gillonsville, S.C., Feb. 6, 1866 (does he have U.S. gov. grave/memorial stone?). Mother was Doll Bellinger of Walterboro, S.C., age 54 in 1866, widow of Benjamin Bellinger who died 1859. Likely slaves of Landgrave Edmund Bellinger, Sr's Tombodly Barony or Ashepoo Barony? His kin was Sara P. Bellinger, late 1800's resident of Walternoro & Charleston. Also Pvt. Paris W. Bellinger, 103rd Regt. U.S. Colored Inf., Co. F, died Oct. 6, 1880 of malaria, Charleston (does he have U.S. tombstone?). Wife: Clawaech Catherine Bellinger, married Hilton Head June 1866, child Francis Bellinger. Lived 123 King St., Charleston (occupation carpenter?). Served 1861 to 1866. James A. Miller, Jr., 4970 N. Hampton Dr., Southport, N.C. 28461-7420.
I am a descendant of Sgt. Theodore Bellinger Jr. & Benjamin Bellinger my Great Grandfather was Jack Bellinger the third oldest son Parents, Theodore Sr. from Ashapoo Co, S,C Mother Louisa Ammey from Maury Co Tenn.
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