In Pursuit of Equality: Educational Outreach “Celebrating the Lincoln Bicentennial”

The Oldham County Historical Society and the 12th United States Colored Heavy Artillery present an educational outreach program that highlights the accomplishments and efforts of Kentuckians to help abolish slavery as well as tell the story of the African American’s during the Civil War.

Members of the 12th Artillery will describe the role of the African American soldier in the Civil War and the hardships faced in camps and on the battlefield. The 12th United States Colored Heavy Artillery (USCHA) is the only African-American Civil War artillery unit in the Midwest. The 12th USCHA represents the soldiers that organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky on July 15, 1864.

This living history group honors and remembers the more than 20,000 African Americans that served in the military during the Civil War. Slaves from Oldham County and surrounding areas escaped to serve for the Union and were actively recruited to serve by such local leaders as Elijah Marrs.

Concepts covered in this outreach program include cultural diversity, discrimination, stereotypes, slavery, freedom, civil rights, citizenship, beliefs, customs and traditions of African American culture. A 20 minute presentation is followed by question and answer sessions including hands-on activities. For program schedule and cost contact: The Oldham County History Center, 502-222-0826, email: ochstryctr@aol.com.