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Thunder at the Gates: The Black Civil War Regiments that Redeemed America
  • Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2017
  • Time: 4:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

Soon after the Emancipation Proclamation, abolitionists began to call for the creation of black regiments. The South, and most of the North responded with outrage.  Meanwhile, Massachusetts, launched one of the greatest experiments in American history. In Thunder at the Gates, Douglas Egerton chronicles the formation and battlefield triumphs of the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry and the 5th Cavalry–regiments led by whites but composed of black men.

A book signing will follow the program. Purchase this book on the day of the event from the National Archives Store and receive a 15% discount (members get 20% off).

All public programs at the National Archives are free and streamed live online via the National Archives’ YouTube channel. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.

Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202.357.5000 in advance.