In March of 1863, Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew authorized the first black volunteer regiment to fight for the Union Army during the Civil War. The Massachusetts 54th Regiment, commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, gained recognition after spearheading an assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, in July of that year. During the battle at Fort Wagner, Colonel Shaw and 116 of his men were killed.
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and Colonel Shaw are memorialized on the Boston Common with a monument considered one of the most important installations of public art in the country.
The Shaw and the 54th Regiment memorial is about to undergo a multi-million dollar restoration over the next year and a half. But, this is more than just a restoration of the bronze monument. While the project is underway, The Museum of African American History and the Friends of the Public Garden are collaborating on programs and events to highlight Boston’s black history.
Marita Rivero - Executive Director of the
Museum of African American History in Boston.
Liz Vizza - Executive Director at
Friends of the Public Garden.
Joe Zellner - Member and former President of the Board of the
54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Company A Reenactors.
