Learn about the fascinating exploits of this amazing man

In honor of the 160th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine is proud to feature a special living history presentation on Saturday, January 7 at 2PM, featuring Timothy Hodges, who will be portraying Captain Robert Smalls.

Smalls’ daring escape from slavery using a Confederate ship that he commandeered captivated the nation and inspired many in the Union to push for Emancipation. Smalls’ ability to pilot a Confederate naval vessel through the harbor defenses of Charleston, SC in May 1862 helped to convince President Lincoln and others that African Americans should be given the opportunity to fight with Union forces. Smalls would go on to command Union naval vessels during the Civil War and become an influential U.S. Congressman.

This event is included with admission to the Museum, and it is FREE for members of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine 

Timothy Hodges is a renowned expert on the life of Robert Smalls and has portrayed him at many historical institutions and events across the nation. After an inspiring trip to Gettysburg, he started research into Major Martin Robinson Delany, the first and highest ranking African American in the Civil War. This experience led him to the story of Robert Smalls and the rest is history!