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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

African American Civil War Memorial and Museum

A powerful national monument and museum honoring the 209,145 African American soldiers and 7,000 white officers of the United States Colored Troops who fought for freedom during the American Civil War.

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What is the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum known for?

It is the first national memorial dedicated to the 209,145 African-American soldiers and 7,000 white officers of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought in the Civil War from 1862 to 1865.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission to the museum is free, though a donation is suggested to support its educational outreach, exhibits, and mission-driven programs.

What are the hours?

The museum is open daily except Sundays. However, indoor exhibits are currently closed for renovation, while the memorial remains accessible at any time.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the museum offers educational opportunities for visitors of all ages, and children can try on Civil War attire to commemorate USCT soldiers.

What can I see at the memorial?

The monument features Ed Hamilton's 'Spirit of Freedom Memorial' sculpture, with curved walls behind it containing plaques engraved with the names of the soldiers.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum is the first national memorial dedicated to the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Located at the corner of Vermont Avenue, 10th Street, and U Street NW, the site consists of a monument and a museum. The memorial was commissioned in 1993, completed in 1997, and dedicated in 1998 under the leadership of Dr. Frank Smith Jr. and Colin Powell. The monument features the 'Spirit of Freedom Memorial' sculpture by Ed Hamilton. This striking bronze statue is backed by curved walls where the names of 209,145 USCT soldiers are engraved on plaques. This serves as a permanent tribute to those who fought from 1862 to 1865 after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation called for their enlistment. The museum, founded in 1999, was moved to the former Grimke School at 1923 Vermont Ave NW in 2018 to share the largely unknown stories of the USCT. It provides educational opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about African American life before and after the American Civil War. While the museum's indoor exhibits are currently closed for renovation, the outdoor memorial remains accessible at any time. As an educational resource for local, national, and international communities, the site continues to honor the bravery of those who fought for the Union cause. The museum's mission is to ensure that the contributions of African American soldiers are recognized and remembered by future generations.

Visitor tips

  • The outdoor memorial is accessible at any time, making it a flexible stop on your tour.
  • Note that indoor exhibits are currently closed for renovation, so plan your visit around the outdoor monument.
  • Admission to the museum is free, though a suggested donation is welcome to support its programs.
  • If visiting on Veterans Day, you can witness the tradition of USCT names being read aloud at the memorial.

Nearby context

Situated in the historic U Street district of Washington, D.C., the memorial and museum are located across Vermont Avenue from each other, tying the site to a neighborhood known for its rich African American heritage.

Sources

Evidence and links