Ten Years In The Making: CT’s African American

Civil War Regiment Monument Dedication Ceremonies Planned

NEW HAVEN — The 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment C.V. Infantry — more than 900 African Americans and Native Americans strong, from 120 Connecticut towns — fought gallantly for freedom during the Civil War. In September these efforts will finally be memorialized during a grand unveiling and dedication of the first monument commissioned in their honor in New Haven, at the site where the troops originally mustered.

Three events are planned for Friday, September 20, beginning at 2. The first two events are open to the public, free of charge.

The formal dedication ceremony of the sculpture by artist Ed Hamilton will begin at 2 pm at Crisculo Park, at Chapel and James Streets. Keynote speaker will be the Civil Rights activist, social satirist and humanitarian Dick Gregory, who will lead the dedication of the monument, which has been more than ten years in its planning and creation. There will also be living history reenactments and related festivities.

At 4 pm a descendents reception will be held at John S. Martinez Magnet School, 100 James Street. The reception will honor and remember the service of the soldiers on the battlefield and celebrate the new monument. Descendent of many of the soldiers will be in attendance.

Finally, at 6 pm, a meet-the-artist reception will be celebrated at New Haven Museum & Historical Society, 114 Whitney Avenue. This event will offer the opportunity to meet and speak with the nationally renowned and award-winning sculptor Ed Hamilton, who created the sculpture.

Admission for the reception with Mr Hamilton is $25, which includes hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, and reservations are requested; call 203-777-5778 or visit TheCT29th.org.

Connecticut students from all across the state will have the opportunity to meet the Connecticut 29th Colored Regiment C.V. Infantry’s descendants, hear stories of valor and learn about their history in fighting for freedom during a youth dedication ceremony on Friday, September 26, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Crisculo Park.

Also from 10 to 1, students can participate in an arm band parade, wearing arm bands they create commemorating the names of African American and Native American soldiers who fought in the infantry. The arm bands will later be contained, sealed, and buried next to the monument for future generations to discover.

From 1 to 5 pm, tours of the historic sailing ship Amistad, which will be in port at New Haven for a limited time (also accessible from Crisculo Park), will be offered. Admission for the tours, reception and arm band parade is free. For more information or to register, call 203-777-5778 or visit TheCT29th.org.

The Descendants of the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment C.V. Infantry, Inc is a nonprofit organization that honors African American and Native American soldiers who fought during the Civil War. The organization promotes cultural awareness of these men of color and their Caucasian officers.

The organization also presents historical and educational programming, makes presentations to schools and is in the first stages of developing a grade school curriculum for educators to increase awareness of the Connecticut 29th’s efforts. Ongoing fundraising will continue its educational outreach.

Based in New Haven, the organization is a 501(c)(3) corporation. For more information or to donate, visit the organization’s website.