Discovering Civil War Era Ancestors Among the U.S. Colored Troops

From 1863 through 1865, African Americans fought on the side of the Union Army in regiments known as the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Among their ranks were ancestors of Iowa State Representative Ross Wilburn. In this 2025 Juneteenth Lecture, Wilburn will share his family’s Civil War history and his adventures in genealogical research, tracking down those brave ancestors.

Presented in partnership by Ames History Museum, Ames Public Library, and NAACP Ames Branch.

Attend in person at Ames Public Library or watch online – register for the Zoom link on Ames History Museum’s website.