Genealogical Gems

The National Civil War Museum will hold a Community Free Day Saturday, 20 June. The newest exhibit, titled “The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls,” will honor Smalls.   After the Civil War, Robert Smalls became a businessman. He served in the South Carolina State House and Senate and became a United States Congressman. Smalls was born a slave in South Carolina . He piloted eighteen slaves to freedom on a boat in Charleston Harbor in 1862. During the Civil War, he helped the Union Army and Navy. He died in 1915.    Tonight (Friday, 19 June) his great, great grandson Michael Boulware Moore will present "The Life and Legacy of Robert Smalls," offering additional insights and personal, family recollections on his accomplishments at the Museum’s wine and cheese reception.  "The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls," a traveling exhibit on loan from the Robert Smalls Collection and managed by the South Carolina State Museum , will open f...

The Federal arsenal at Charleston fell into Rebel hands On This Day in 1860. Just 10 days earlier, South Carolina earned the dubious distinction of being the first state to secede from the Union . The Confederates controlled the Charleston Arsenal until 1865 when the Union took Charleston .   On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2014