Memorial Day Ceremony at Philadelphia National Cemetery

Announcements, Events

When: Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Where: Philadelphia National Cemetery, 6909 Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia, PA 19138

Immediately following the Memorial Day ceremony, there will be an unveiling of Private Warrick’s newly installed headstone. Private Warrick served with the 127th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, mustered out of Camp William Penn. His headstone was incorrectly engraved for nearly 160 years. We are acknowledging the new stone with honors.  

Afterward, we welcome you to join us at Camp William Penn Museum for light refreshments and a complimentary tour of the museum.

National Cemetery

Philadelphia National Cemetery (PNC) contains the remains of nearly 13,000 veterans from the Civil War and later conflicts, along with spouses and dependents.

One thousand US Colored Troops and Seamen are interred at PNC.  At least two hundred of these soldiers perished while training at Camp William Penn.

Camp William Penn Museum

1618 Willow Avenue, La Mott PA 19027

Here was Pennsylvania’s only training camp for African-American soldiers and the largest of 18 in the nation during the Civil War. Comprising over 10,000 men, 11 regiments of US colored troops were trained here; the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 32nd, 41st, 43rd, 45th, and 127th. The first recruits arrived on June 26, 1863. Many were to fight in Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and elsewhere. The camp closed on August 14, 1865.

Visit www.usct.org to learn more about Camp William Penn and to search USCT listings.
Phone: 215-885-2258 or Email: pt@usct.org.

February 2024 Black History Lecture: “‘The Families’ Civil War”

Announcements

Assistant Professor of African American History in the Department of History at Furman University will talk about his book, ‘The Families’ Civil War: Black Soldiers and the Fight for Racial Justice,’ which received rave reviews in the LA Review of Books and the Civil War Book Review. It was the 2023 Nautilus Book Award, Silver Winner. It also received an honorable mention, in the Civil War Monitor, for the best Civil War book of 2022. He has also started preliminary work for a new monograph that will examine all Pennsylvania born soldiers who trained at Camp William Penn. He’s also been interviewed by CNN, History Channel, NPR, Defense One, Smithsonian Magazine, Curiosity Streams, the Washington Post, and New York Times. He also serves on the advisory board for Ford’s Theater.

Speaking about “The Families’ Civil War”

His talk focused on the intersectionality of race, gender, and class in the military from 1850 through the 1920s. Counter to the national narrative which championed the patriotic manhood of soldiering from the Civil War through the 1920s, his research reveals that African American veterans and their families’ military experience were much more fraught. Economic and social instability introduced by military service resonated for years and even generations after soldiers left the battlefield. Also appearing: Ms. Martha Woods, a resident in Historic La Mott & Camp William Penn Museum board member, will tell of her journey to our community based on family history and her great-grandfather who enlisted at Camp William Penn leaving behind a wife and nine children.

Save the Date: February Black History Lecture

Announcements, Events

When: Sunday, February 25, 2024; 3:00 PM
Where: Zoom, pre-registration required
Who: Dr. Holly Pinheiro Jr.

Dr. Holly Pinheiro Jr. is an assistant professor of African American History at Furman University and will talk about how freeborn northern African Americans struggled to maintain families while fighting against racial discrimination. In his recent book, The Families’ Civil War, Dr. Pinheiro, provides a compelling account of the lives of USCT soldiers and their entire families. The intersections of gender, race, class, and region will be examined to illuminate experiences of northern USCT soldiers and their families.

This is a free Zoom event. Reservations are necessary. To reserve a virtual seat, send an email to pt@usct.org and you will be sent a link giving you access to the presentation.

Cancelled: Camp William Penn Day 2023

Announcements

Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day scheduled to occur this Saturday, September 23rd.has been cancelled, because of the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds.  The day has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. 

The Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott is an all volunteer organization, and your support is greatly needed, to maintain the museum and provide exciting programs for the benefit of all.  

May you be safe this weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next year!

Eric Hardaway, Secretary

Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott and Camp William Penn Museum
1618 Willow Avenue
La Mott, PA 19027
215 885-2258
pt@usct.org

Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day

Announcements, Events

Opening Ceremony: 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2023
Michael Coard, attorney, radio host, activist will be speaker

Where: La Mott Community Center, 7420 Sycamore Ave., La Mott, 19027

Event will acknowledge the 160th anniversary of establishment of the United States Colored Troops and Camp William Penn

  • Visit USCT encampment.
  • Listen to the USS Lehigh CW Navy Living History Crew.
  • Visit Camp William Penn Museum.
  • Living History demonstrations including ammunition making.
  • Hear archivist talk and demonstrate paper and book conservation.
  • See demonstrations of mid 1800’s building and carpentry techniques.
  • Civil War Medical and Surgical instrument ‘show and tell’.
  • Book signings, Lectures, Period Music, Films.
  • La Mott History display.
  • Civil War games and activities.
  • Visit graves of CWP soldiers at Philadelphia National Cemetery.
  • Local history organizations with tabletop displays and information.

Closing ceremony: 3:45 at Flagpole (corner Sycamore and Willow)

Camp William Penn, located in what is now modern day La Mott, was the first and largest Federal training site for colored soldiers during the Civil War.

Note: Volunteers needed for help in all aspects of this event; some starting now and some the day of the event. Ideas and suggestions are also welcome. If you are able to help or participate, please use contact information below.

Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott
1618 Willow Avenue, La Mott, PA 19027
Email: pt@usct.org
Phone: (215) 885-2258