USCT Pennsylvania Grand Review

From the website of the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission:

November 14, 1865 was a great day for the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who served with the Union during the Civil War. After having been excluded from the "Grand Review of the Armies" in Washington D.C., held for the Union troops on May 23-24, 1865, they were invited to attend a Grand Review held in their honor on November 14, 1865 in Harrisburg, PA.

The "Pennsylvania Grand Review" in Harrisburg, was organized by the women living in Harrisburg at the time. When the day of the review arrived, the USCT were led through town by Grand Marshal Thomas Morris Chester, who briefly served as a Captain in a Harrisburg company raised by the African American community in 1863. Grand Marshal Chester led the troops to Senator Simon Cameron's house to be recognized.

On November 3-7, 2010, the city of Harrisburg will again host a Grand Review to honor and remember the brave men from the USCT who served during the Civil War. The event will consist of a reenactment of the Grand Review as well as exhibitions, presentations and conservation projects.

100 Voices is one such project. 100 Voices honors the memory and lives of 100 USCT soldiers from across Pennsylvania. Find more information about the Grand Review and 100 Voices at the House Divided webpage or the visitPA webpage.

Pennsylvania Grand Review 2010

Tentative Schedule of Events

November 1 - Camp Curtin Church, Harrisburg

Hallowed Ground Project; help to clean up the cemeteries that are now home to the brave USCT soldiers. Participating cemeteries roundtable: TBD

November 2 - Harrisburg University

Genealogy Project seminar: a short, but intensive course of study on researching genealogy.

November 3 - Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, Harrisburg

Act 48 In-Service workshop: a course emphasizing free discussion, exchange of ideas, demonstration of methods and practical application of skills

November 4 - National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg

Network to Freedom Annual Meeting colloquium: dialogue with partners

November 5 - State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg

USCT Conference symposium: a meeting at which several speakers deliver short addresses on related topics.

November 5 - Harrisburg Transportation Center

White Carnation Society - Martin Delany Luncheon gathering: an assembly of people for social, educational or political purposes.

November 5 - Midtown Scholar Book Store, Harrisburg

Live & Learn Event salon: a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring hostess or host, partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation and readings

November 6 - Soldiers' & Sailors' Grove / Simon Cameron House, Harrisburg

USCT Parade reenactment: participants attempt to recreate some aspects of the original parade.

November 6 - Commonwealth Keystone Building Atrium, Harrisburg

Heritage Fair Chautauqua: entertainment and culture for the whole community; come listen to speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers, humanists and specialists of the day

November 6 - Strawberry Square, Harrisburg (7 - 8:30 p.m.)

Promenade: The opening dance to any period ball, the promenade allows guests to see who is in attendance and admire their clothing and accessories.

November 6 - Strawberry Square, Harrisburg (8:30 - 11 p.m.)

Ball: a formal social gathering concentrated around dancing

November 7 - Whitaker Center, Harrisburg

Women's luncheon forum: a medium of open discussion aimed at enlightenment of its members

November 14 - Cemetery Wreath Laying Events: TBD

November 19 -Soldiers' National Cemetery, Gettysburg

Wreath Laying Event: TBD

*Events as listed on the Facebook page for the USCT Pennsylvania Grand Review.*