Descendants of the 54th/55th
In 1863, following the Emancipation Proclamation, African American men enlisted in the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Regiments, some of the first Black regiments recruited in the North. Fighting to preserve the Union, these men broke barriers and inspired over 170,000 other Black men to enlist. Are you a descendant of one of the members of the 54th or 55th MA? Let us know your connection! We will be sharing news throughout the year as we continue to celebrate the regiment.