Denied Entry—So He Built America's First Black Resort In 1892, Major Charles Douglass (son of Frederick Douglass and Civil War veteran of the 54th Massachusetts) and his wife Laura were denied entry to a Maryland restaurant. His response? He bought 40 acres of beachfront property for $5,000 and founded Highland Beach in 1893—America's first African American-owned beach resort. He sold lots to Black America's elite including a U.S. Senator, Congressman, Governor, and the first Black judge in D.C.

While filming our Boston Virtual Field Trip, we had the privilege of getting inside access at the Massachusetts Historical Society to artifacts of the 54th Massachusetts, the famed USCT unit from the movie Glory, featuring the sword of Robert Gould Shaw that he had with him at Fort Wagner. | American Battlefield Trust

From the National Infantry Museum’s collection comes a unique piece of Civil War history. This Corps Badge — also known as a “Maltese Cross” — belonged to Private J. Smith of Company G, 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Each arm of the cross tells a story: 🔸 James Island – the 54th’s first engagement at Grimball’s Landing, July 16, 1863 🔸 Wagner – the climactic Second Battle of Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863 🔸 Olustee – fought in Baker County, Florida, February 20, 1864 🔸 Darien –

Meet William Little of Chambersburg, one of the many Pennsylvanians who took up arms in the 54th Massachusetts — one of the first African American regiments to fight in the Civil War. Through his story, we honor the bravery and determination of those who risked everything for freedom and equality. 🎥 Watch now and explore their enduring legacy: https://youtu.be/jxQTsJa-vt0 #BlackHistory #CivilWar #NationalCivilWarMuseum #54thMassachusetts #BlackCourage #WilliamLittle #Chambersburg #BattleofOlust

4.9K views · 352 reactions | Meet David Miles Moore Jr., who served as a drummer boy in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. In an exclusive project with Smithsonian magazine, photographer Drew Gardner recreated his portrait with his great-great-great-grandson, 9-year-old Neikoye Flowers. | Smithsonian Magazine | Facebook