Legacy of the 54th

"...this monument will stand for effort, not victory complete. What these heroic souls of the 54th regiment began, we must complete."
—Booker T. Washington

Since its dedication in 1897, the Robert Gould Shaw/54th Regiment Memorial has stood as a powerful testament to the ideals for which the soldiers of the 54th fought and died. It has also served as a place of memory, dialogue, and activism. The Memorial reminds us that, as Booker T. Washington proclaimed at the Memorial’s dedication ceremony in 1897, we must continue the work of these soldiers to realize this nation’s highest ideals.

This gallery highlights the continuing legacy of the Memorial in our national conversations on justice, freedom, and representation.

Gallery 1: Remembering the Regiment

In the years following the tragic Battle of Fort Wagner, veterans of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment regularly gathered to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in war. The Boston community remembered this regiment through commemorative events and Memorial Day practices. Today, we continue to come together to recognize the contributions and legacy of this "Brave Black Regiment."

“Only One of Bell Post Is Able To Join Shaw Memorial Rites”

This photograph from a Boston Globe May 31, 1934 article depicts William Jackson (center), one of the last three remaining members of the Robert A. Bell… Explore More >

This photograph from a Boston Globe May 31, 1934 article depicts William Jackson (center), one of the last three remaining members of the Robert A. Bell Post, 134, G.A.R.. In 1934, William Jackson participated in the Memorial Day exercises at the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial. Behind Jackson stands a ceremonial wreath from the Robert A. Bell Post. Explore More >

“Honor Heroes of Fort Wagner”

In 1917, members of Boston’s Black community gathered in Faneuil Hall to remember the 54th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Wagner. Those attending included… Explore More >

In 1917, members of Boston’s Black community gathered in Faneuil Hall to remember the 54th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Wagner. Those attending included members of the 54th Regiment: Rev. Henry Norman, Maj. Wesley J. Furlong, the Rev. E. George Biddle, Charles Harrison, and Maj. Alexander H. Johnson. Notable orator Eliza Gardner, over 90 years old, recognized the integral role Black soldiers played in the Civil War: The North met with defeat… Explore More >

Robert A. Bell Post, 134, G.A.R. Headquarters

This print depicts the “Old Smith School, Now the Quarters of Robert A. Bell Post, G.A.R.” Parts of this image show the interior of the… Explore More >

This print depicts the “Old Smith School, Now the Quarters of Robert A. Bell Post, G.A.R.” Parts of this image show the interior of the Bell Post’s headquarters, including “Old Battle Flags” and “Corner in the Post Room.” In 1877, Boston’s Committee on Public Buildings recommended that the city lease the Smith School at 46 Joy Street to the Robert A. Bell Post, 134, of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). Once approved, the former… Explore More >

54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, Company A

Founded in 1992, the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Company A/Colored Ladies Christian Relief Association is a reenactment unit. Through public programs, they seek to expand citizens’… Explore More >

Founded in 1992, the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Company A/Colored Ladies Christian Relief Association is a reenactment unit. Through public programs, they seek to expand citizens’ awareness of the role of African Americans in the Civil War period and work to promote civic responsibility among all young people in Boston and the Commonwealth. Explore More >

Rev. E. George Biddle at the Shaw Memorial

54th veteran Rev. E. George Biddle attended many Memorial Day commemorations at the 54th Shaw Memorial. Biddle’s final Memorial Day commemoration took place in 1939. Explore More >

54th veteran Rev. E. George Biddle attended many Memorial Day commemorations at the 54th Shaw Memorial. Biddle’s final Memorial Day commemoration took place in 1939. He died in April the following year. Explore More >

“Along the Route With the Marching Veterans”

A grand military parade through Boston in 1917 featured veterans from past wars to inspire the “boys of 1917” as Americans began heading off to… Explore More >

A grand military parade through Boston in 1917 featured veterans from past wars to inspire the “boys of 1917” as Americans began heading off to fight in World War I. M. Jameson, a veteran of the 54th, participated in the parade, until he came to the Memorial. There, he stopped, saluted the memorial to his fallen colonel and fellow soldiers, and took a seat. “The parade was over so far as he was concerned. He… Explore More >

Gallery 2: Social Justice and the Shaw Memorial

Determined to continue the work of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, activists used the Memorial as a place of protest and demonstration. Throughout the 1900s, activists gathered at the Memorial to argue for civil rights, call for access to equal education, and advocate for international peace.

“Boston service launches ‘love thy neighbor’ campaign”

Religious leaders gathered at the Memorial to launch the “love thy neighbor” campaign in 1979 to combat the ongoing and explosive racial divide in Boston. Explore More >

Religious leaders gathered at the Memorial to launch the “love thy neighbor” campaign in 1979 to combat the ongoing and explosive racial divide in Boston. In keeping with the move toward racial healing, as well as to address ongoing issues with the monument related to vandalism and acid rain, local leaders formed the Committee to Save the Shaw/54th Regiment Memorial in the early 1980s. Explore More >

“Vets for Peace”

A diverse group of activists protested the Vietnam War at the Memorial in August 1969. Over 250 anti-war demonstrators walked the Freedom Trail to mark… Explore More >

A diverse group of activists protested the Vietnam War at the Memorial in August 1969. Over 250 anti-war demonstrators walked the Freedom Trail to mark the 24th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Explore More >

Protesters at the Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial

While holding their conference in Boston in August, 1963, Alpha Phi Alpha members marched to the Memorial in support of the local NAACP’s efforts against… Explore More >

While holding their conference in Boston in August, 1963, Alpha Phi Alpha members marched to the Memorial in support of the local NAACP’s efforts against de facto segregation in Boston public schools. Alpha Phi Alpha formed as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. At the Memorial, they also commemorated the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation. Explore More >

“Negro Voter Drive at Evers Rites”

Boston activists gathered in front of the Memorial following the assassination of Medgar Evers in 1963. Sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of… Explore More >

Boston activists gathered in front of the Memorial following the assassination of Medgar Evers in 1963. Sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), this event also served as a voting registration drive for many Black Bostonians. Explore More >

“At Shaw Monument”

At a Memorial Day event at the Memorial in 1909, commemorators protested Southern racist laws and violence. “The South will never consider this problem solved… Explore More >

At a Memorial Day event at the Memorial in 1909, commemorators protested Southern racist laws and violence. “The South will never consider this problem solved until they get the negro back into slavery,” said Rev. B.W. Farris, “and before they do that, the heavens will fall.”… Explore More >

Browse and search the full collection of Legacy of the 54th:

Dedication of the Robert Gould Shaw/54th Regiment Memorial

“Only One of Bell Post Is Able To Join Shaw Memorial Rites”

“Honor Heroes of Fort Wagner”

54th Massachusetts Regiment Infantry National Colors by Kofi Kayiga

The Charge on Fort Wagner

Bust of Robert Gould Shaw by Edmonia Lewis

Reverend Dr. E. George Biddle

Robert A. Bell Post, 134, G.A.R. Headquarters

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