February Event, 2021

We Fight for Our Rights, Liberty, Justice and Union: The Battle of New Market Heights

On September 29, 1864, the soldiers of United States Colored Troops 3rd Division, XVIII Corps, Army of the James, stepped off to do battle and stepped into history. During this engagement 14 African American soldiers and two white officers performed heroic acts that earned the Medal of Honor. This presentation will provide both an overview of the battle and share stories of some of the soldiers who fought there.

Presented by Tim Talbott. Tim is the Director of Education, Interpretation, Visitor Services and Collections at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier in Petersburg, Virginia. He is President of the Battle of New Market Heights Memorial and Education Association. He maintains the Random Thoughts on History blog and has published articles in both book and scholarly journal formats.

Dr. James Paradis will discuss a recent memorial gift given to the Camp William Penn Museum which relates to one of the 6th regiment USCT soldiers.

• When: Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 3:00 PM

This is a free Zoom event.

To reserve a virtual seat for this event, send an email to pt@usct.org and you will be sent a link with a password within 24 hours of the presentation, giving you access. We look forward to having you join us. For information call 215-885-2258.

This program is funded in part by the Jenkinstown Lyceum.

Black History Program for 2021

Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott will present their annual Black History program at 3:00, on February 28, 2021 via Zoom. Stay tuned for announcement of program specifics.

Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day

On September 21st, a crowd of neighbors and Civil War buffs gathered at 10:00 AM at Camp William Penn gate on Sycamore Ave, in La Mott PA to witness the opening ceremonies for Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day. The Doane Academy band performed music preceding the march in by USCT, PA 53rd re-enactors, Jr. ROTC Cadets and others in period garb.

Several speeches were made, including the reading of a proclamation from Cheltenham Township, read by Commissioner Ann Rappoport, declaring September 21, 2019 to be “Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day”. The full text of the proclamation is below. Township manager Bryan Havir extended a welcome to all and Dr. James Paradis reminded us “Why We Remember.”

After the opening ceremonies, the attendees ventured onto the Camp William Penn grounds where they interacted with USCT reenactors and saw displays on the medical science of the Civil War. Dr. Robert Hicks, director of the Mütter Museum and Marjory Wienkop (4th NJ Volunteer Infantry), presented samples of medicine and described surgical practices during the war.

In the La Mott Community Center, there were lectures about Camp William Penn as well as about our community. Local historical groups manned tables to explain their pieces of history and there was a La Mott History display as well. The Camp William Penn museum was open for tours.

At the closing ceremonies, president Abraham Lincoln spoke and State Senator Art Haywood read a ‘Congratuations from the State Senate’ congratulating Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott on their fiftieth anniversary.  Dr. Paul Finkelman, president of Gratz College, gave the closing address.  The event closed with Adrienne Mazar playing Taps and the flag, which had flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the USCT in 2013, was brought down.

Camp William Penn Headquarters

The original gate of Camp William Penn

The Pennsylvania State Historical Marker.

2016 Museum Schedule

Camp William Penn Museum will be open to visitors from June 1st to mid October by reservation.

To make arrangements, call Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott.

How to get to the museum.