We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening with Kevin Johnson, a living history performer, as he vividly brings to life the struggles of an African American soldier who served during the Civil War. Private William Riley Webb, a native of Hartford, was an actual soldier who was recruited in 1863 and served in the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Regiment. In addition to fighting in several battles in Virginia, the 29th is credited as being the first infantry regiment to enter Richmond when the city surrendered in the Siege of Petersburg.
Told from an emotional and exciting first-person perspective which vividly illustrates the struggles of African-Americans in the Colored Infantry during the Civil War, Private Webb is portrayed by Mr. Kevin Johnson of the Connecticut State Library. Based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History, Kevin has been bringing Private Webb to life for over 20 years at more than 600 presentations in schools, libraries, historical societies and other venues around the state.
Free and open to the public, we hope you’ll make plans to attend and bring a friend!