135th United States Colored Troop Living Weekend
General William T. Sherman organized the 135th United States Colored Troop in Goldsboro, North Carolina, consisting of 1154 men that join the army as the Pioneer Corp, in Savannah, Georgia.“ This Lost Troop” of Freedom seekers marched with Sherman’s army out of Goldsboro to Raleigh at the end of the war to Washington DC. May 24th, 1865. The 135th USCT marched in the Grand Review under their regimental flag. From Washington DC they went to Louisville, Ky for garrison duty and mustered out in October 1865.
The men of the 135th USCT lived their lives with pride as freedom seekers and soldiers in the US Army. Some died and were buried along their march and many lived the remainder of their lives with disease and injury for the betterment of their families and the nation. As such, and due to their meritorious service in the 135th United States Colored Troop, they need and should be honored as they have been lost in history for over 150 years.
Through the research discoveries, we can tell their story “In Their Own Words”, an intimate look into their lives. What has resulted is a story of individuals, freed slaves, and their journey from leaving the plantation through their struggles in the troop, and what the experience meant to them. Many believe that their proudest moment was marching in the Grand Review in front of the President of the United States.
The Living History Weekend will take place April 6-8 in Downtown Goldsboro. The Paramount will serve as the hub for most activities. Check the website www.135usct.org for time and places. Its free to the public except the dinner/ keynote speaker Hari Jones.
Itinerary:
April 6th, 2018 - Friday
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pop Up Museum – Downtown Goldsboro
Encampment – 200 S. Center Street
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Musical Drama of the Civil War” and Discussion – Paramount Theatre (limited seating).
Music by local church groups / Discussion by Dr. Reginald Hildebrand.
Music led by Ms. Hilda Banks, choreographed by Ms. Lori Grant.
April 7th, 2018 - Saturday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pop Up Museum – Downtown Goldsboro
Encampment – 200 S. Center Street
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Symposium – Paramount Theatre (Includes 6 History Sessions).
Mr. Earl Ijames, curator NC History Museum, North Carolina in the Civil War
Dr. Malcolm Beech, history of the United States Colored Troops.
Mr. Jay Bauer & Mrs. Amy Bauer, the 135th USCT “In Their Own Words.”
Dr. Ben Speller, Retired Dean, North Carolina Central University will speak on Genealogy.
Dr. Chris Fonvielle, University of North Carolina at Wilmington history professor, The Importance of the railroad and General Terry.
Goldsboro - panel to discuss Goldsboro and the civil war.
6:00 pm
Dinner – Goldsboro Event Center, with Keynote Speaker Hari Jones, leading expert on the role of the African American in the Civil War and has appeared on over 50 TV programs and documentaries and viewed on NBC, PBS, C-SPAN, FOX and The History Channel.
April 8th, 2018 - Sunday
2:00 pm
Wreath Laying – Memorial Site (TBA) – Introduction by Asa Gordon
All events are free to the public except the Saturday dinner
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