Although more people are aware of the contribution that Black soldiers made to the Union Army, there is an equally important story of Black sailors’ service during the Civil War. Brad Stone will explain the substantial gains that Blacks made in becoming an essential part of the Union Navy, and their heroic exploits in furthering the Union’s cause. 

The Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) sponsors Stone’s talk on Friday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. in the CH II Auditorium. He will outline how Black sailors became an indispensable part of the American Navy during the Civil War, despite facing great obstacles, and the profound impact that the U.S. Navy historically had with the U.S. and African Black communities. Stone will cover the largely untold story of the U.S. African Squadron that shortly before the Civil War emancipated thousands of African Black people that would have otherwise been enslaved. 

About the Presenter

Stone enjoyed a long public affairs career with the U.S. government and currently volunteers at he the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, MD and aboard the U.S.S. Constellation in Baltimore Harbor. He is the author of the book, “Hooves, Paws, and Claws for the Cause: Animals in the U.S. Civil War,” published by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.  Stone has given talks on a variety of Civil War topics at various venues, and several were nationally televised on C-SPAN3 American History TV.

Residents are asked to register for this CLL program beginning Tuesday, September 23, by calling or visiting the Lifestyle office of either clubhouse. A $5 fee will be collected at the door and can be paid by cash or check payable to the Center for Lifelong Learning.