During your visit to the African American Civil War Museum, explore permanent and traveling exhibits that tell the stories of American soldiers who fought for freedom from slavery during the Civil War inside the Grimke Building, boasting a multitude of Civil War artifacts and a state of the art theater to enhance the visitor experience. Ask about talks given by staff and historic presentations by re-enactors. Across the street from the Grimke Building, you can see The Spirit of Freedom: African American Civil War Memorial sculpture and its Wall of Honor.
African American Civil War Museum Permanent Exhibit
While prohibited from joining the American Civil War until July of 1862, the United States Colored Troops made up more than ten percent of the Northern army and 25 percent of the Union navy even though they only made up one percent of the Northern population. The African American Civil War Museum’s exhibit interprets the African American experience in the Civil War through utilizing a rich collection of primary resources, educational programming and technology. Uncover the lives of 19th century heroes who fought for freedom from slavery during the Civil War as you explore displays with photographs, articles from newspapers and replicas of period clothing, uniforms and weaponry of the Civil War.
USCT Ancestor Search
Find out if you have any Civil War ancestors. The African American Civil War Museum Exhibit features a kiosk that will let you search the museum’s database of USCT soldiers they’ve been compiling since opening their doors in 1999.
The Spirit of Freedom: African American Civil War Memorial
After your time in the African American Civil War Museum, head across the street to see the Spirit of Freedom: African American Civil War Memorial. Created by sculptor Ed Hamilton and dedicated on July 18, 1998 under the leadership of Dr. Frank Smith Jr. and Colin Powell, the Spirit of Freedom honors the soldiers and sailors who fought during the Civil War to preserve the Union and end the tyranny of slavery. At the center of the granite-paved plaza is a ten-foot sculpture with a family carved out on the back of it. The sculpture is encircled on three sides by the Wall of Honor which displays the names of 209, 145 USCT drawn from the official records of the Bureau of United States Colored Troops at the National Archives. Names are engraved on stainless steel plaques and organized by regiment. Take the time to admire the statue and read some of the names of individuals who served as you remember the courageous story of the United States Colored Troops.
- Don’t forget your camera. Non-flash photography is welcome throughout the museum.
- Food and drinks are not permitted inside the African American Civil War Museum, however, outside the museum offers a picnic area with tables and chairs. If time permits, there are several restaurants within walking distance of the museum. Ask staff for recommendations.
- Don’t miss the museum’s travelling exhibit, From Slavery to the White House: the USCT Ancestors of First Lady Michelle Obama. Meet First Lady Michelle Obama’s two USCT ancestors and discover their story from slavery to enlistment as soldiers to their lives after the American Civil War. At the heart of the exhibit are displays of documents and photographs that tell the story of the USCT ancestors of Michelle Obama. Other features of the exhibit include video interviews with author of American Tapestry, Rachel Swarns and relatives of Michelle Obama looking back on their Civil War ancestors they grew up hearing about.