54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company B

Join Mr. Bernie Siler for his presentation which describes the integral involvement of freed African Americans in the tragic events of the Spring of 1865 surrounding the death of President Abraham Lincoln. From the alley dwellers of Baptist Alley who saw John Wilkes Booth leaving the rear of Ford’s Theatre to the ferry operator over the Rappahannock River who conveyed Booth and David Herold to Caroline County, Virginia, many Black folks were in close proximity to the events. This was so much so that many were needed as witnesses to put on the government’s case in the subsequent trial of the conspirators. Hear how this need for eyewitnesses contributed to the still existing controversy as to whether civilians should have be entried by a military tribunal. Mr. Siler is a member of the local 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.  He participated in the filming of Glory, Andersonville, and Tad – displaying the valor of African American union soldiers. His expertise also includes the unique legalissues surrounding the trial of the Lincoln conspirators and he was featured inthe National Geographic documentary of the movie, “The Conspirator.”  He has been published in the Washington Times regarding the role of African American Sailors in the Civil War, the New York Times on the Peninsula Campaign, and the Washington Post on the Assassination of President Garfield as well as guided tours for the Smithsonian on the Lincoln conspiracy and the Confederate attack on Washington.  He has lectured extensively on these subjects. The talk begins at 1 pm in the Exhibit Building. Seats are first come, first served. The talk is free of charge, however access to any of the other exhibits and/or events requires the regular admission fee.