ONLINE NEWSLETTER Winter Issue 2 2/08/07

Tory Jack Day Historian Joe Becton will speak on the topic "African Soldiers in the American Revolution" at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the historic Abraham Staats House, 17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook. The event, part of the "Tory Jack Day" program celebrating Black History Month, is sponsored by South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission in conjunction with The Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Inc. and the Women's Guild of South Bound Brook. Becton, a National Park Service Interpretive Park Ranger, has been recognized with the Community Service award for setting a standard of excellence in interpretation and for his role in connecting Americans to national parks through wonderful stories and varied media. Members of the First Rhode Island Regiment will act as Honor Guard, providing a musket firing demonstration and will be on hand to answer questions and interact with the public. This living history reenactment unit portrays members of the First Rhode Island, an American Revolutionary War military unit comprised largely of African American slaves and free blacks, which served from 1778 to 1783. The unit was commended for its valor during the war. Following Becton's presentation, the public is invited to tour the historic Abraham Staats House and view an exhibit on slavery and the contributions of blacks to the national heritage, presented by local historian and Women's Guild member, Joyce Smith. Tours will end at 4 p.m. Suggested donation for Becton's presentation is $3 per adult (over age 12). For information and directions, visit: http://www.staatshouse.com or call (732) 356-4789 (original text by Gina Vergel, Home News Tribune Online 01/18/07) post - Pvt. Leon Brooks

Presentation: Camp William Penn's Warriors for Freedom, United States Colored Troops, at the African American Museum
Saturday, February 17 ~ 1 to 2 p.m.

Members of the 3rd U.S. Colored Infantry perform an interactive living history presentation of the United States Colored Troops. Learn about Infantry and other black soldiers who volunteered to serve in the Civil War, and see a display of Civil War equipment, weapons, uniforms and personal items used by soldiers.
Free with Museum Admission

ONLINE NEWSLETTER Winter Issue 1 01/07

Attention to Orders
Gyasi Mann is promoted to the rank of Drum Sergeant Major, with all the accompanying duties and priviledges. The promtion was given on the parade grounds of the Old Barracks, during the Battle of Trenton event. Sgt. Mann grew up in the hobby as part of the Old Barracks Fife and Drum Corps. He took on the task of teaching cadets fife and drum. Cadets can learn to be musicians in one or both the American Revolution and Civil War. Currently he is a graduate student at the University of Wisconson.













Regiments Go Into Winter Quarters
Another successful reenactment season closed with the Battles of Trenton. Once again the troops aquitted themselves well. We had a strong showing, with fourteen soldiers and cadets mustering for the event. It's easy to take this for granted, but the reponses we receive show how much of we still are considered a novelty - even within the hobby. We have made a lot of progress. Where we were first met with skepticism and rejection, thanks to support of the Old Barracks, Camp Olden, and many others in the reenactment community, we are now welcomed wherever we go. As living historians there's still a lot of work for us to do tell the story about the military contributions of Africans in America. Our most important task is to provide youths with an opportunity to be a part of this proud local and national heritage. Our cadets travel with us, participating at reenactments, encampments, ceremonies, and parades. Thank you for your continued support.

ONLINE NEWSLETTER
Fall Issue 4-1 12/06

Telling the Story

Member Articles -
Trenton Thanksgiving Day Parade

Once again the United States Colored Troops acquitted themselves with distinction in the two events where they participated. At the Trenton Thanksgiving Parade the 6th Regiment was joined by their loyal comrades from the 22nd Regiment, Sgt. Rashid Khan, Cpls. Brian Daniels and Charles Harris whose son accompanied him. The Trenton Thanksgiving parade was marked by the inclusion of several new cadets recruited by Pvt. Leon Brooks that swelled the ranks offering a good portent for the future of the 6th Regiment.

Ghettysburg National Civil War Cemetary Commemoration

At the Gettysburg National Civil War Cemetary where members of the 3rd, 6th, and 22nd Regiments with Miss Teretha Jones and Malcolm of the Contraband Relief Society in support, rallied to render honors to the two African American Civil War soldiers buried there. You will also be pleased to know that Joe Becton, as usual, captivated the assemblage with his stirring words. Reverend Ezekiel Bey evoked the blessings of a merciful God on the souls of the gallant men buried there. To complete the tableau, none other than Mr. Frederick Douglass, that peerless abolitionist, reminded us all that freedom is never given, it is taken by those who are willing to strike a blow. All in all, I am happy to report that another weekend has seen the members of the United States Colored Troops continuing to "tell the story" in their own inimical way. I am,

Yours truly,
Sgt.Ward - 6th Regiment USCT







Joe Bectons Knowledge Bits:
Letter from Camp Penn to an editor at the THE RECORDER which gives an account of a lecture by Harriet Tubman, and other topics.


Events to Look for

Patriots Week
Check out the events during Trenton's Patriot Week. Note there are some events specificly geared for youth.

Battle of Trenton

Mark your calendars! January 30TH - Reenactments the Battles of Trenton. See the Ten Crutial Days website from previous reenactments. African-American reenactors from the Trenton and around the Delaware Valley represent the blacks who fought in the historic 14TH Continental (Glover's Marbleheaders) at the 1st battle, and the Rhode Island Regiment , at the second battle.


2007 Capital Ball
Save the Date! Old Barracks Association ~ 17th Annual Capital Ball Saturday, February 24, 2007 *The Ball honors The African American Experience in the Revolution. Dr. Clement A. Price will be the guest speaker. Call for tickets, sponsorships or ad information at 609- 396-1776.