Dec 24, 2009




Sunday, December 27th



10am-5pm Meet the Soldiers! (British, Hessian and Continental Forces), Tour the Old Barracks Museum:



Old Barracks Museum 101 Barrack Street



Mingle with the troops, watch them receive their drilling instructions and follow them marching out to battle. Museum tours are available throughout the day. $5/adults, children are free. Old Barracks Association Members are free.





11am-12 noon First Battle of Trenton,



beginning at the Battle Monument.



No Admission Fee.

Reenactment of Washingtons' Crossing




December 25, 1:00 p.m.

Christmas Crossing
Location: McKonkey Ferry Inn Section of the Park
Fees: Free

Witness the reenactment of the Crossing of the Delaware. General Washington will address the troops and cross the river. River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants. Visitor's Center open 11-3

Dec 12, 2009

Freeze on Historical Funding

The New Jersey Historical Society (NJHS) sent an email advising that the present NJ Governor (Jon Corzine) put a freeze on State Historical Funding. The NJHS is asking all to send an email to the Governor requesting the payment of these funds. Go to the following website: www.state.nj.us/governor/about/contact. From the pull down menu of topics, choose ARTS & LEISURE and continue to the next page. From the pull down menu choose HISTORICAL COMMISSION. Then enter your name and contact information.

The suggested message to the Governor is as follows: “While the financial problems facing the state government are fully understood, failure to release already committed grant funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission will have a catastrophic affect on many New Jersey history organizations. I (or We) urge you to release these funds immediately; failure to do so puts the very existence of these organizations at risk.”

Dec 9, 2009

New York Historical Society




New York Historical Society

The 6th Regiment USCT will appear for Living History Days at NY-H
event submitter - Cpl Brooks
Contact - 6thusct@gmail.com
event website - https://www.nyhistory.org
When
Sat Dec 12 10:00 – 16:30 Eastern Time
Where
170 Central Park W New York, NY 10024 (map)

Nov 9, 2009

New York Historical Society


New York Historical Society

Nov.14th. 6th USCT is appearing at the New York Historical Societyfor its' living history program. On Saturdays from October through March, re-enactment groups and living history re-enactors will portray historic troops and characters from the Civil War period.

event submitter - Cpl Brooks
Contact - 6thusct@gmail.com
event website -see New York Historical Society

When
Sat Nov 14 10:00 – 4:00 Eastern Time
Where
170 Central Park W New York, NY 10024 (map)
Telling the Story of True Freedom Fighters

Nov 3, 2009

New: Black Soldiers in Blue New Jersey Premiere


Black Soldiers in Blue



Civil War.New Jersey premiere of a video documentary by Warren Bass about Camp William Penn and the United States Colored Troops who were trained there. Cast featuring members of the 3rd Colored US Regiment Infantry reenactors.

Event sponsor: Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott and The Camp William Penn Museum.
Event website: http://www.usct.org/Events.htm
Event contact: (215)885-2258 or pt@usct.org
Submitted by: Cpl. Leon Brooks,6th Regt.Inf.USCT

When
Fri Nov 6 7PM Eastern Time
Where
The Doane Academy, 350 Riverbank Burlington, NJ 08016 (map)



Help Tell The Story of True Freedom Fighters

Oct 26, 2009

Another Rite of Passage




Photos





Serenade | Photo 03

Serenade | Photo 03

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uploaded by leonbrooks




It is with great pride and satisfaction to recognize the accomplishments of  another young member of the 6th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops, Reenactors (6th USCT) . This time the transition is into a professional career.


Sergeant Major of the Drums Gyasi Mann,  started at the Old Barracks as day camper 15 years ago, served as a high school volunteer, and played in the Barracks' Fife and Drums. After the 6th regiment began doing the American Revolution, he joined and trains cadet musicians in Continental and Civil War  music. He worked at the Barracks as an historic interpreter for years as he went through college, and summers during graduate school, recently earning a Masters in Public Health Administration from the University of Wisconsin. 


Currently he is teaching in Beiging.  In March, Sgt. Mgr. Gyasi Mann will be starting a new position at McGuire AFB & Fort. Dix , as a  full time 1st Lieutenant  in the New Jersey Air Guard as a public health administrator for the bases. We look forward to his return.


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Oct 21, 2009

Correction: Red Bank Reenactment

The event date has been corrected.

Red Bank Reenactment

Revolutionary War reenactment of an historic battle was a major victory for the 1st Rhode Island.

Submitter: Cpl Leon Brooks
Event:Revolutionary War reenactment of the defense of Fort Mercer.
Event website: see http://6thusct.googlepages.com/upcomingevent or http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us/Government/Departments/ParksnRec/Specialevents.cfm
When
Changed: Sun Oct 25, 2009
Where
100 Hessian Avenue Red Bank , NJ 08063 (map)

Red Bank Reenactment

Join the Action


Battle of Red Bank Reenactment

Revolutionary War reenactment of an historic battle was a major victory for the 1st Rhode Island.

Submitter: Cpl Leon Brooks
Event: Revolutionary War reenactment of the defense of Fort Mifflin.
Event website: see http://6thusct.googlepages.com/upcomingevent or http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us/Government/Departments/ParksnRec/Specialevents.cfm

When
Mon Oct 26, 2009
Where
100 Hessian Avenue Red Bank , NJ 08063 (map)
We Tell the Story of True Freedom Fighters

Oct 17, 2009

History. A Family Affair!




Photos





History. A Family Affair!

History. A Family Affair!

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uploaded by leonbrooks




The 6th Regiment Infantry US Colored Troops is back again at the New York Historical Society for Living History Days, to tell the story of men of African descent fighting for freedom . This program will continue to March with reenactors from Civil War Union and Confederate units appearing to do living history.


History is not just about anonymous soldiers in great armies or famous historical personages, or battles.though. It's also about the families and family ties to the past. When we appear at these events we carry two thick volumes that contain 208,000 of soldiers who fought in the United States Colored Troops. Nothing draws a stronger connection to history than when a visitor finds the name of a soldier that they could possibly be related to. It's far from definitive, especially given the complexity of black genealogy due to slavery, but it sparks interest. Today a mother and son visiting our display found that their was only one listing for her maiden name, Paey, in the whole volume. The volume lists his regiment, its and place it mustered. The soldier had the same first name of an uncle. This information and knowing that a name is  often  passed down to a descendant every couple of generations indicated a good chance of them being related to this soldier. The son found this exciting, especially when we found the naqme and regiment on the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors website database. Another side of their family also had a rare name. The son pulled out his notebook and busily copied the information. I told him what the codes on the site meant and ways they could follow up on the information.


Another visitor found it exciting to find the name of an officer from who she is descended listed, who served in the 54th Massachusetts, of the movie Glory. Seven thousand  white officers served in the USCT in command of black troops. One reason this was attractive to many white soldiers was it was possible to rise in rank faster serving the USCT than the regular army. This was especially attractive to new immigrants, trying to get a foot hold in this country. Two hundred-fifty German speaking officers served in the USCT.


Nothing was more touching and personal than the dedication ceremony for the Pennington African Cemetery.With great love and dedication the neglected cemetery dating back to the 1840's had been refurbished  and graves identified and marked. The graves of  USCT's were identified and invitations sent to descendants identified from the records.  The response was very emotional, reflecting gratitude, pride, and personal connection. I suspect for most people this would be the case. But it's not surprising that it's not necessarily so. History can be painful. . Not everyone will find a Civil War hero in their. past. Many black families left memories of humiliation and suffering in the past, and don't care to be reminded. Some individuals when contacted about being descendants of USCT's buried in the Pennington African Cemetery insisted that there was a mistake, because the are "white" (now). Apparently for them as time passed, they "passed", leaving an unwanted past behind them.


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Oct 14, 2009

New York Historical Society Living History Days



Civil War Event
Join the 6th Regiment USCT appearing for Living History Days at the NY-Historic Society
Event submitter - Cpl Leon Brooks
Contact - 6thusct@gmail.com

When
Sat Oct 17, 2009 Eastern Time
Where
170 Central Park W New York, NY 10024 (map)

Telling the Story of True Freedom Fighters


Oct 2, 2009

Teachers - Bring Your Content Area to Life with Living History

Reading an article about reeanactors visiting a school reminded me of when I worked in the public schools as a high school media specialist, and had the opportunity to do living history presentations for law, medical arts, literature, and science classes, as well as history class. A presentation would deal with some aspect of the Civil War that related to the class subject area. The most popular presentation I did was on Civil War battlefield medicine for Medical Arts Week, for which I and a reenactor that portrays Major Margerie Walker, a surgeon during the War, reenacted a field hospital operation. Students participated as well, portraying hospital orderlies. Another presentation was done for a chemistry class studying rapid combustion. I portrayed a soldier of the American Revolution training enlistees to handle black powder and the Brown Bess musket. Another approach is to give students extra credit for attending a reenactment, living history event, or place where historical impressions are part of the program, such as the hospital room at Trenton's Old Barracks Museum.



This Table of Fire used for calculating the elevation of a cannon is an example of the kind of item you can find at a reenactment. This belongs to an artillery unit which demonstrated firing a cannon at the New Market Heights commemoration. The table and cannon firing demo can be used in learning math, computer programming, history, communications, probably other topics that I'm sure a creative educator could imagine.
Align Center

Reenactors are happy to share their knowledge and welcome questions from students.


Sep 29, 2009

Battle of Germantown

Battle of Germantown

SUMMARY:Revolutionary War reenactment
URL: http://www.revolutionarygermantown.org
CONTACT: aroller@cliveden.org
ORGANIZER: Historic Germantown Preserved


When
Sat Oct 3, 2009 Eastern Time
Where
Cliveden and Upsala, Philadelphia, Pa (map)
more details »

Sep 27, 2009

New Market? OK. But, Do You Get Paid?

Rifle Firing Demo

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sourced by leonbrooks

Rifle Firing Demo






Photos





38th Regiment US ColoredTroops Cadets

38th Regiment US ColoredTroops Cadets

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uploaded by leonbrooks




This weekend, Civil War re-enactors are at Fort Harrison near Richmond Virginia,, commemorating the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market Heights, also known as Chaffin's Farm, This battle has special significance to the re-enactors of the 6th Infantry Regiment US Colored Troops. The historic 6th USCT, fighting as part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, I8th Corps, won 3 Medals of Honor at this engagement in September 1864. We'll walk the hallowed ground and tell visitors the story about sacrifice and valor. It was especially satisfying to see a group of five young troopers from the 38th USCT, no older than 12, visiting the event. I felt great pride in telling them about this battle to those who could possibly be telling the story themselves one day. We're kind of getting long in the tooth, and the black reenactment community is young and still small. But such future considerations are the furthest thing from their mind. The two questions they had for me were "Do you get paid for doing this?" and "How heavy is it?", referring to the replica 1861 Springfield rifle I carry. The questioner expressed disappointment and disdain when I told him that we were all volunteers. The second question boys inevitably ask whenever I appear at an event.


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Sep 22, 2009

New Market Heights Anniversary Commemoration


New Market Heights

6th Regiment USCT. Civil War living history event commemorating the 145th anniversary of the Battle of New Market Heights
When
Sat Sep 26 – Sun Sep 27, 2009 Eastern Time
Where
8895 George R Collins Dr, New Market, VA‎ (map)

more options »


Telling the Story


September 1776



September 1776

1st Rhode Island Regiment.
Revolutionary War living history program
event site: http://www.nps.gov/feha/planyourvisit/events.htm
event sponsor: National Park Service
event contact: (212) 825-6888‎

When
Thu Sep 24 10:00 – 16:00 Eastern Time
Where
Federal Hall National Memorial , New York, NY (map)


from Google Calendar


Sep 11, 2009

Fall In! For Action!


The summer's over and we have an action packed fall reenactment season coming up. Our 1st Rhode Island Regiment reenactors are scheduled to be at a the Federal Hall National Memorial where, on September 24th, the National Park Service is holding a special program on the American Revolution - September 1776. Program hours 10:00 - 4:00.

The 6th Regiment is gearing up for the 145th commemoration of the Battle of New Market Heights(a.k.a. Chaffins Farm) in Virginia, on September 26 & 27. At this battle the historic 6th Regiment USCT earned 2 medals of honor. Events include battlefield tours, living history encampments, weapons firing demonstrations, exhibits and displays. Speakers will discuss the role of African American troops in the battles before Richmond. Program hours are Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 and Sunday 10:00 - 4:00.
Information on these and other events will be posted on our website.

Aug 30, 2009

Brooklyn Heights Battle Commemoration

1st Rhode Island Exhibit


Seven members of the1st Rhode Island Regiment participated in the Brooklyn Heights Battle Commemoration, a.k.a The Battle of Long Island, for the first time. Though historically it was the biggest battle of the American Revolution, it is not mentioned often in educational and other venues. The Continental Army suffered a devastating loss, with 200 killed and wounded, and 900 captured. When the British forces converged on New York in August 1776, it totaled over 32,000 soldiers, which included some regiments of black slaves from the Caribbean who had been promised freedom if they fought for the Crown. Possibly hundreds of blacks, mostly scattered among the New England regiments, who had fought at Lexington and Concord, fought for the patriot cause. The 1st Rhode Island Regiment composed of purchased blacks and native Americans hadn't been formed yet. However the 14Th Continental, Glover's Regiment, fishermen from Salem and Marblehead Mass, had a large contingent of blacks. Other regiments not used to associating with blacks as peers found this to be "disagreeable" and "degrading". These fishermen played a vital role in transporting Washington's army by boat during the battle, and in the evacuation of the 9,000 troops out of Long Island to New Jersey, fighting a rear action to help it escape.

Before the program our regiment gave a presentation and did a musket firing demonstration. Visitors to our exhibit table showed a keen interest. Afterward the the regiment paraded with the merchant Marine band to the site of the commemoration ceremony.
Bold
Artillery Demonstration



Submitted by
Cpl Leon Brooks
6th Regiment USCT
Telling the Story

Jul 24, 2009

Congradulations to the Campers


Campers sing choruses at the closing ceremonies of the 2009 Old Barracks Summer Camp. The ceremony concludes a week of fun learning about colonial army life, crafts, music, and food. At the proceedings they demonstrated how they learned to drill and march in formation and handle a play musket. Parents proudly watched the performances as the campers did their maneuvers and sang, accompanied by the Fife and Drums.

The camp was highly successful. We had full attendance with 30 campers. Attendance is limited by the number muskets, on hand. The 6th Regiment USCT was able to sponsor 4 campers at $250 each! Its well worth the effort to give kids in the community the opportunity to have this experience. This yearwe reached out to the West End Community Center who found interested kids and parents.

Unfortunately, for the 2nd year, the Barracks didn't have enough sign up for the music camp. The regiment sends interested cadets to learn the fife or drum at this camp so they can form up with the regiment at events as musicians. Sergeant Major of the Drums Gyasi Mann, who grew up in the hobby as a musician in the Barracks Fife and Drums, also instructs them in Civil War period music.


The campers thoroughly enjoyed camp. We'll be looking to bring the 12 year olds into our cadet corps to participate in events with the regiment.

Align Center

Jul 15, 2009

Play Roast Beef!




Photos





Line Up for Chow

Line Up for Chow

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uploaded by leonbrooks




At the command "Play Roast Beef", the Fife and Drums played this Revolutionary War tune that calls the troops get into formation for a meal. Today the troops here are campers, 9 to 12 years old, attending the Old Barracks Summer. The campers prepared the lunch themselves. On the menu was common pot stew, Johnny cakes, colonial bread, and honey butter. Historically, common pot stew was made by all the soldiers putting whatever they had to eat in the stew pot, so everyone would have something to eat.   Through the recreation of camp life as it was 200 years ago, they experience in Continental Army, Campers learn to:



  • Cook in the 18th century manner

  • Make  their own 18th century soldiers gear!

  • Sing and dance to 18th century music!

  • March to local historic sites and drill according to Baron von Steuben's Manual of Arms!

  • Make things using  colonial crafts!


Every year the 6th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops  sponsors minority youths to attend this camp, and invites them to participate in reenactments in the hope that they will learn that this is a part of their heritage - so one day, they can also tell the story of true freedom fighters.HUZZAH!


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