As the nation prepares to mark the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War, Pennsylvania invites travelers to Harrisburg this November to participate in a story largely unknown to most Americans – the Pennsylvania Grand Review.

The Grand Review will serve as a commemoration of the November 1865 event of the same name organized by the women of Harrisburg to honor the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) from 25 states who were not permitted to participate in the Grand Review of the Armies, a military procession and celebration held May 23-24, 1865 in Washington, D.C., following the end of the Civil War.

The Grand Review will include exhibition, presentation, and conservation projects that will reveal the hidden histories of the USCT. This commemoration will culminate November 4-7, 2010 in Harrisburg. See the Grand Review Civil War Trails story stop, here.

Grand Review Brochure, includes event, parade, and parking information along with must-see attractions in the region.

Grand Review Events     Your journey begins here, where you can learn more about the Grand Review events and plan a roadtrip in the Dutch Country Roads region. Plus, the Hershey Harrisburg region has hundreds of attractions for you to explore...all within minutes of each other.

Conservation Roadtrips During each roadtrip weekend, participants will roll up their sleeves and get their hands on history. Participants will work alongside community partners and conservation specialists in hallowed ground sites that serve as the final resting places for USCT soldiers.

White Carnation League The Pennsylvania White Carnation League is an alliance of descendants of USCT soldiers and scholars, humanists, interpreters, and supporters from the communities who support their legacy. White Carnation League events build engagement and exchange among advocates and stewards.

Live & Learn Weekends Join communities across Pennsylvania to explore Quest for Freedom stories and participate in discussions about America’s historical and cultural growth from the time of the Civil War and Underground Railroad to the present. This year’s theme examines African American Patriots and the Civil War.

History, 100 Voices, Share Stories Descendants of the USCT should visit the House Divided website and provide their contact information which will be used to ensure they are a part of a year-long commemoration of these African American patriots. Share stories, discover hallowed grounds, and learn more about 1865 & 2010!

Genealogy Workshops Leading genealogists will guide a discussion to help families find ways to share their research, discuss new resources, and help make connections between family histories. Professionals will also be on site to assist in document preservation.

Civil War Muster Rolls The Pennsylvania State Archives holds the regimental records of the more than  215 regiments raised by the Commonwealth during the Civil War. Of these, the Muster Out Rolls are the most requested and most used records by the public. The State Archives needs funding to save 900 of the most severely deteriorated muster rolls.

News & Press Releases For all of the latest news about the Grand Review including television, magazine, and newspaper coverage as well as press releases. Photo of African American Civil War journalist Thomas Morris Chester of Harrisburg.

Attending the Grand Review? Book a room at a special rate from the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau! 

The Grand Review has been created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, Amtrak, Appalachian Regional Commission, Pa Dutch Country Roads, Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, Senator John Heinz History Center, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Concerned Black Men of PA, Partnership for Sacred Spaces, Institute for Cultural Partnerships, Pa Historical & Museum Commission, Pa Civil War 150 Consortium, Historical Society of Dauphin County Pa, Dauphin County Parks & Recreation, Jump Street Inc., Harrisburg 150, Indiana University of Pa Center for Northern Appalachian Studies.