Community News

In keeping with our policy of recognizing and encouraging educational excellence, MRSPT hosted an appreciation reception on behalf of the First Regiment USCT Cadets, who attend the Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center in northwest Washington, D.C. On May 5, 2008, The Cadets and their instructor, Mr. Dexter Akinsheye, expressed gratitude to officers and members of the Association of Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (Ellen Spencer Mussey Tent) for recent donations those organizations made, which enabled the Cadets to purchase uniforms.

The United States Colored Troops Living History Association (USCTLHA) met during “Earning the Right to Citizenship – IV,” a regional symposium on the role of the US Colored Troops, held in Wilmington, North Carolina, February 22-24, 2008. We congratulate MRSPT’s Executive Secretary, Patricia Tyson, who was elected to USCTLHA’s Executive Board.

The USCTLHA is an organization formed exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, which seeks to promote and accurately interpret the history of the US Colored Troops of the American Civil War as well as those who supported their efforts to abolish slavery and preserve the Union.

In 2005, Cultural Tourism DC approved the establishment of a Brightwood Heritage Trail. MRSPT became the non-profit sponsoring organization for this project and has worked closely with the Brightwood community over the past 3 years to collect its history. Final preparations are now underway for the formal unveiling of the Trail, consisting of 18 signs, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 16, 2008.

On April 27, 2008, three Military Road School alumni gave a special presentation on the history and legacy of the school, including their experiences as students, for members of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History [ASALAH] at the Calvary Episcopal Church in northeast Washington, D.C.

On April 26, 2008, MRSPT partnered with the Brightwood Community Association to produce a walking tour of the area’s Civil War historic sites, Ft. Stevens and Battleground National Cemetery. Throughout the City, Cultural Tourism DC encouraged neighborhoods to promote their local history, and tourists attending the Brightwood event received an excellent briefing on the circumstances that produced the War as well as its affect on Washington, the Federal City. Re-enactors portraying Union soldiers, Aunt Betty Thomas, Elizabeth Keckley, and Hallie Quinn Brown brought history to life, and presentations also included a special appearance by the U.S. Colored Troop Cadets of the Marie Reed School Elementary School.

Pearls of Great Price Tea

On Saturday, March 15, 2008, Mrs. Christine Bennett hosted a Pearls of Great Price Mother and Daughter Tea for the students enrolled in this year’s class, their Moms, and other ladies who came to support and encourage them. In addition to MRSPT officers and members, among those attending were volunteers with the Female Re-Enactors of Distinction (FREED) and Rev. & Mrs. Aubrey Lewis of the St. Luke Baptist Church.