African American Historical Association of Western Maryland
A.A.H.A. seeks to preserve African-American history and heritage
Need volunteers to help clean-up Historical Red Hill Cemetery
May 23rd @ 12 noon
Refreshments provided. Tools needed: Tree trimmers, Weed wackers, Prunners.
Location: West of 5628 Red Hill Rd., Keedysville, MD
Contact: Ron Lytle
email: ronelytly6531@gmail.com
Phone #: 240-896-9471
A Self-Guided Walking Tour.
Discover the Williams family story from enslavement to freedom as you follow in their footsteps at Fort Frederick State Park. This self-guided walking tour is just under one mile from the Visitor Center. Portions of the tour are accessible by vehicle for visitors with mobility challenges.
Walking Tour booklets are available online or at the Visitor Center.
Explore the newly released Guide to African American History in Washington County, MD, which showcases the rich history and enduring contributions of African Americans in the area. From the early 18th century, African Americans shaped the cultural and economic landscape of Washington County through resilience and dedication.
By 1820, approximately 14% of Washington County’s population was enslaved—a figure notably lower than the Maryland average of 26%. By the eve of the Civil War in 1860, the number of free African Americans surpassed those who were enslaved, a trend that continued until Maryland abolished slavery in 1864.
The guide highlights significant African American sites across Washington County, each representing a piece of this vibrant heritage. We invite you to delve into these stories and connect with the past through these landmarks. For a deeper dive and list of African American sites and events, please visit the Visit Hagerstown’s website.
We Stand Together on this Hollow -Ground Recognizing those who came before us ( Pleasant Hill Church/ School/ Cemetery ) on Red -Hill Keedyville MD > Rev Thomas W Henry : USCT : Civil War Veterans
From our friends at Frederick Douglas Live
Mt. Harmony Elementary recently took a trip into the past when it hosted Frederick Douglass Literacy Night.
The Feb. 9 event featured poet, author and Frederick Douglass character actor Nathan Richardson, who spoke on education and civility. More >
https://tinyurl.com/42j426bz
Following Video Courtesy DC News Now, from October 2021 article. (loads slowly)
Benjamin Malone, John R. Brown, and George W. Fisher all enlisted in September 1863 with the 2nd Regiment USCT, an infantry regiment based in Arlington, Virginia. The regiment was attached to the Department of the Gulf in Florida throughout its nearly three-year existence from November 1863 through January 1866. Benjamin Malone enlisted on September 9, 1863, in Baltimore at the age of twenty-one in Company F of the 2nd Regiment and was immediately appointed to the rank of Corporal, and later promoted to Sergeant. John R. Brown enlisted at the same time as Malone, also into Company F of the 2nd Regiment. He was enlisted as a Private but was promoted to Corporal one month into his service. George W. Fisher enlisted at the age of twenty-one in Baltimore on September 10, 1863, as a Private in Company I of the 2nd Regiment, USCT. Company I was among those who saw action during the February 1865 Battle of Fort Myers. George W. Fisher’s military record includes a notation that he was ‘free on or before April 19, 1861.’ A Keedysville-area farmer and slaveholder, Washington C. Snively, submitted claims for compensation for the loss of his two former slaves, George W. and John W. Fisher. Both claims failed. There is no record of John W. Fisher’s enlistment or service. Malone, Brown, and Fisher all mustered out of service in 1866 and returned to Red Hill.
Limited parking, so carpooling is necessary. Contact lytleronald710@gmail.com / 304-539-1650 for more info.