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CT African-Americans in the Civil War

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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, February 9th from 2PM to 3:30 PM at the Easton Public Library Community Room, 691 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT.  The Society is delighted to welcome back David Koch, Assistant Professor at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT 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.

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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.

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Please join the Historical Society of Easton for this free lecture on Saturday, February 9th at 2 PM to 3:30 PM at the Easton Public Library Community Room, 691 Morehouse Road, Easton. Donations are always welcome. For more information about this and future events, visit the Society’s website at http://historicalsocietyofeastonct.org or email: hseastonct@gmail.com or call 203-261-2090.

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