History of NH’s African-American Soldiers in the American Revolution: February 20, 7pm

     

 In honor of Black History Month, the Friends of the Library are pleased to welcome Glenn Knoblock for a program entitled “Strong and Brave Fellows: A History of NH’s Black Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution” on Tuesday evening, February 20 at 7pm.

       One of the most interesting aspects of the American Revolution is the role played by African Americans in the fight for independence. Both free African Americans and those that were enslaved were key in manning state militias and Continental Army units, as well as serving on the high seas in the Navy and on privately armed ships. Indeed, their service to the colonies was crucial in a conflict that lasted nearly seven years. Prohibited from serving in military units and largely considered “undesirable elements,” how is it that these black soldiers came to fight for the cause of liberty, even when their own personal liberty was not guaranteed?

       Glenn Knoblock will examine the history of African-American soldiers’ service during the war, including how and why they enlisted, their interaction with white soldiers, service on the battlefields, how they were perceived, both by the enemy and the officers under whom they served, and their treatment after the war.

       Glenn Knoblock is an independent scholar and author of fifteen books and over 100 articles. He has served as the historian on projects relating to northern New England bridges, New Hampshire cemeteries, brewing history, and African-American military history. Knoblock has served as the primary military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African-American Biography Project. He holds a BA in History from Bowling Green State University.

          This program is free. For more information, call the Dover Public Library at (603) 516-6050.