The Medford Historical Society & Museum is co-sponsoring an online program on the the Massachusetts 54th Regiment presented by Shawn Quigley, National Park Ranger at the Boston African American National Historic Site. In May 1863 the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to fight for the Union during the Civil War, marched out of Boston. The regiment was formed immediately following the Emancipation Proclamation. The 54th Regiment changed public opinion about African Americans serving in combat and helped inspire over 180,000 African Americans to enlist in the Union Army. Quigley will explore the history of this regiment and its critical contributions during the American Civil War, and discuss the monument erected and recently restored to honor the regiment. Register via Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link.