First Saturdays at the Museum: Film Screening of GLORY

First Saturdays at the Lincoln Depot Museum presents:

A Film Screening of GLORY
Featuring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington (among many great others)

With the American Civil War not going particularly well – and some public opinion questioning the rationale of continuing the war – Governor Andrew of Massachusetts gave special permission for the formation of new regiments to serve the Union Army. These regiments would contain black soldiers – men of “African descent.” The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (and soon after, the 55th) would form and answer President Lincoln’s call for these men of color – these US Colored Troops – to fight not only for their country, but for the members of their race held in bondage.

The 54th recruited, formed, trained, drilled – but for a time, was not allowed to fight. It was still popular opinion that these colored soldiers were not competent enough, not disciplined enough, not brave enough to go into combat. Surely they would turn and run at the first sign of danger. But, at last, they were given their opportunity. Under the leadership of their white officers – including their young Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the 54th had a lot to prove: to the Army, to their Officers, to their country, and to themselves.

161 years ago this July – the 54th led the assault on the Confederate fortification called Battery Wagner on Morris Island in South Carolina. And soon, the whole world would hear of their heroism and sacrifice. Eventually, Lincoln himself would credit the US Colored Troops – some 200,000 of them – with turning the tide of the war. But at such a cost…