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History of the Marie Reed
Civil War Cadet Academy

History was made at Marie H. Reed Elementary School on November 13, 2006, when the first and youngest USCT Civil War Cadet Program was formed in the nation. Currently, the Marie Reed Civil War Cadet program is entering our second year with the same vigor and commitment to preserve the legacy of the USCT soldiers..

Marie Reed's Civil War Academy is the first of its kind that will represent the First USCT Regiment that was formed in the City of Washington, D.C. in 1863. Students were selected from the 5th and 6th grades by their respective teachers based on their interest in learning more about American history and the Civil War. The students will learn the history of Washington, D.C. prior to the Civil War, the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, the history of the First USCT Regiment, drills traveling to other Civil War Reenactment sites, camping-out and much more. For more information about the Marie Reed's Civil War Cadet Academy and how you can support this organization, please contact Dexter Akinsheye @ this E-Mail

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A Special Thank You!

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I would like to thank Ms. Carolyn Mitchell and the Daughters of Union Veterans D.C. Society for their generous donation in fully funding Marie Reed's Cadets' with new replacement uniforms. From the cadets and Marie Reed School, we salute the Daughters of the Union Veterans D.C. Society for responding to our call.

Dexter Akinsheye,
Director of the Marie Reed's
Civil War Cadet Academy

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Cadets at Fort Pocahontas in 2008

The original Marie Reed's Civil War Cadets pictured at Fort Pocahontas on May 17, 2008. This group of cadets holds the honor of being the first and youngest group ever organized to represent the 1st United States Colored Troops Regiment of Washington, D.C. To view a Photo Show, click here.
Click here to view video clips.

The Marie Reed cadets are standing under the historical marker of the 1st USCT at Fort Pocahontas. Click here to view more information on this US Civil War Marker in Charles City Virginia.

Fundraising

To provide this free program to our children, it takes donors like you to provide financial help to our Cadets. If you would like to make a donation or even sponsor one or more cadets, it's not too late to donate, just click here.

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The 2007 USCT Civil War Symposium

The 2007 USCT Civil War Symposium held in Washington D.C. in September, was a tremendous success, thanks to Patricia Tyson and her wonderful staff at Military Road School Preservation Trust.

Pictured here, is Congressman Jackson of Chicago, one of the Marie Reed Civil War Cadets representing Marie Reed's Civil War Cadet Academy and his mother.
Photo by Shevry Lassiter


The cadets and Malcolm Beech, host of the 2008 USCT Symposium in Wilmington, N.C.

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Tentative Events for 2008
February 23 - 24, 2008 - Wilimington, N.C., USCT Symposium

May 17, 2008 - Fort Pocahontas Reenactment

May 22, 2008 - Founder’s Day Celebration at the African American Civil War Memorial

June, 2008,- End of the year Awards Program for the cadets

July 18, 2008 - 10th Anniversary of the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

| Photo 1 | Photo 2 | | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Photo 5 | | Photo 6 | | Photo 10 | | Photo 11 |

Photo Index

• Program Director, Dexter Akinsheye, at the founders Day Event in Washington, D.C.
  
• Students are eager to learn more about the U.S. Civil War
  
• New recruits listen and learn.
  
• Students attending an orientation class.
  
• Patricia Tyson, of the Military Road School Preservation Trust addressing the students.
  
• Young cadet interacting with staff.
  
• Five Months Later -Marie Reed School, cadets waiting to march. Pictured in the green coat is the Principal, Mrs. Akinsheye.
  
• Call To Arms - Cadets line up behind the drummer, flag bearer and fifer.
  
• They are ready