Community Corner

Historical Society To Host Emancipation Lecture in Easton

The following is a press release written by Emlyn M. Duemmler of the Historical Society of Easton.

In celebration of 150th Anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and a tribute to Black History Month, the Historical Society of Easton will host a lecture about the rocky path to emancipation on Saturday, April 6 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Easton Public Library.

The Society is delighted to welcome back David Koch, Assistant Professor at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport as our guest lecturer.

One of the most profound aspects of the Civil War was the freeing of approximately four million enslaved people in the southern states. The Emancipation Proclamation allowed for the enrollment of freed slaves into the United States military. During the war nearly 200,000 blacks, most of them ex-slaves, joined the Union Army. Their contributions gave the North additional manpower that was significant in winning the war.

Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, the road to freedom was rough especially for the African-Americans who enlisted in the Union Army to help the cause of emancipation. The talk will address the difficult path to the Emancipation Proclamation. Professor Koch will also discuss the experience of the 29th and 30th Regiments which were raised here in Connecticut.

Professor Koch specializes in Civil War and Native American History and lectured for organizations in the U.S. and Europe on such topics as Civil War Battles, medicine in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln’s life/political activities and Slavery and the American Experience. He has given presentations on the Gettysburg Cemetery, the Battle of Gettysburg and Connecticut’s role in the Civil War.

Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For more information about this and future events, visit the society’s website.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here