Black History Month Programs

Celebrate Black History month!

During the month of February The Mariners' Museum will recognize black Americans who have played a central role in U.S. and maritime history. Programs are included with Museum admission.

US Navy Integrated During Civil War
Saturday, February 16 • 2:00 p.m.
Roper Theater

Over 16 percent of the sailors in the Union Navy were African-Americans. Museum Docent/Volunteer Russ Morrison details the ins-and-outs of this little known fact and stories of African-American sailors during the Civil War. At this time, black sailors were paid the same as white sailors, were able to hold many positions, including supervisory, on ships, and performed courageously in battle. Unfortunately, this “integrated” civil war USN disappeared after 1870.

Voices of Freedom
Saturday, February 23 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Roper Theater

Voices of Freedom is a first-person interpretation of inspiring African Americans from the Civil War. Dr. Wesley C Wilson will portray Pvt. James Daniel Gardner, a Medal of Honor winner. Chauncey Herring will portray Philadelphia Press reporter Morris Chester. Also, Dr. Saundra Cherry will portray renowned Unior intelligence agents, Harriet Tubman and Mary Elizabeth Boswer.

The Slaves' Gamble: Choosing Sides in the War of 1812
Saturday, February 23 • 3:00 p.m.
Roper Theater

Presented by Gene Allen Smith

In the new Republic’s first two decades, the United States waged war against Britain, Spain, and various Indian tribes. The resulting turmoil and political vicissitudes offered diverse possibilities to slaves. The different sides viewed the slaves, who would play a role in the military operations, as a potential source of manpower. While surprising numbers did assist the Americans, the wars created opportunities for slaves to find freedom among the Redcoats, the Spaniards, or the Indians.

Drawing on a decade of original research, author Gene Smith presents this fascinating and original story on an extraordinary, yet little known chapter, in American history. The way the young nation responded sealed the fate of slaves until the Civil War.

Gene Allen Smith is a professor of History and the director of the Center for Texas Studies at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. Smith is the author of numerous books and the curator of History at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.