“With Valor and Honor:
Talbot County’s United States Colored Troops During the Civil War”
The exhibit With Valor and Honor tells the powerful story of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) from Talbot County, Maryland, who served in the Civil War following the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. This historic order allowed both free and enslaved Black men to join the Union Army and Navy. Enslaved men were manumitted by their owners for a $300 federal fee to serve as USCT soldiers.
Of the 180,000 Black men who served, 8,718 were from Maryland—and over 600 were from Talbot County alone. Their enlistment was significantly influenced by Frederick Douglass, a fugitive slave from Talbot County, who successfully advocated for Black participation in the war.
These men fought with extraordinary courage, often engaging in battles against Confederate forces that included former enslavers. Their service was not only a fight for the Union but also a battle for freedom—for themselves and future generations.
Following the war, many of these veterans helped shape a new future by acquiring land, establish Black communities, churches, and schools. Some had previously lived in Talbot County’s historic free Black neighborhood, “The Hill,” and had glimpses of freedom before the war. The most celebrated post-war community was Unionville, founded by 18 USCT veterans from Talbot County, symbolizing their commitment to securing civil rights and equality.
With Valor and Honor shines light on their sacrifices and contributions, bringing long-overdue recognition to the local men whose courage and perseverance helped reshape American history.
The exhibit and the broader project were made possible through collaboration with a wide range of community members and organizations, including the descendants of Talbot’s USCT veterans and the historic African American village of Unionville, one of many towns founded by formerly enslaved soldiers. Veteran support organizations such as American Legion Post 77, and the 3rd Regiment USCT Re-enactors of Philadelphia also played key roles in its development. We want to thank VFW Post 5118, Maryland 250 Commission, Maryland Heritage Area Authority, William Roberts Family Foundation and Delmarva Power Exelon for their critical financial support. The Historical Society also expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Clara Small, one of Maryland’s foremost scholars on African American history, for her guidance and insight.
“With Valor and Honor” is now open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-3pm. The museum is located at 25 S. Washington Street, Easton, Maryland. All are invited to visit and learn more about this proud, powerful and often overlooked chapter of American history. Please call 410-822-0773 for additional information.
For More information on the “With Valor and Honor” exhibit, click here.
“Voices of the African American Experience” permanent exhibit is now open in the Mary Jenkins House at 30 S. Washington St. We celebrated the opening of the exhibit on October 2nd, 2021. The exhibit captures, preserves, and elevates facets of the rich history of the African American population at work, play, worship, home and school in Talbot County. It recognizes the pivotal roles African American churches played in helping to shape that history, especially in the face of racial oppression, obstruction, and other challenges. The exhibit focuses on the time frame of the 1970s and earlier and gives voice to the African American experience primarily through the lens of eleven early African American churches in the county.
We ask that visitors come to learn about the African American experience in Talbot County, the importance of the churches and, if at all possible, add to the exhibit by sharing any information. We have an expandable book that we will update as new information is provided by you, our community. This is a dynamic record of African Americans (living or deceased) who made noteworthy contributions as trailblazers, pacesetters, and/or achievers of historical significance in Talbot County during the 1970s and earlier. We may never be able to satisfy the standards of completeness, but you can help. If you can provide reliably sourced/documented information on someone you recommend adding, please complete and return the form. Printed copies of the form are available at the exhibit or are available below via the link titled “Profile Form – Help Us Tell Your Story” below.
Email to or mail to 30 S. Washington St. Easton, MD 21601
Profile Form – Help Us Tell Your Story
This project has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, an instrument of the State of Maryland. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. Additional funds have been provided by the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area and Eastern Shore Heritage Inc. The Talbot Historical Society would also like to extend a huge thank you to all the community members who helped to make this exhibit possible.
For more information on visiting, please see our Plan a Visit page.