PVt. John Maxon at the Battle of the Crater - w/Shermann Dilla Thomas

Chicago Urban Historian Shermann Dilla Thomas (@6figga_dilla) joins Steve and Eric for a discussion of the story of John Maxon, a freed enslaved person living in Chicago in the mid-1800s who volunteer to join the 29th US Colored Troop Regiment, the only Black Civil War regiment in Illinois. Pvt. John Maxon would be severely injured during the Siege of Petersburg, but would survive and move to St. Charles in search of work. The discussion includes linkages between St. Charles and Chicago, as well as the Underground Railroad and abolitinists.

Outro music is “The Marching Song of the First Arkansas” - performed by Sparky and Rhonda Rucker. James “Sparky” Rucker is the 2022 winner of the BLACK APPALACHIAN STORYTELLERS FELLOWSHIP AWARD, sponsored by the National Assoc of Black Storytellers and South Arts. Rhonda Rucker is the author of several books, including WELCOME TO BOMBINGHAM (Pelican, 2019), I  MAKE A CHANGE (Pelican, 2017), and SWING LOW, SWEET HARRIET (Motes Books, 2013). Learn more about these two musicians at their website: www.sparkyandrhonda.com

Thank you to Feedspot.com for recogninzing our podcast as one of the top 20 ILLINOIS ARTS PODCASTS. Learn more here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/illinois_art_podcasts/

HOURS

Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

monday* closed 

*Special tours may be scheduled ahead of time for any day of the week, including Monday

Your City. Your History. Your Sense of Community.

The Museum welcomes participation in all activities by individuals with disabilities and special needs by working cooperatively with the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. The Museum is committed to inclusion by providing public programs in the most integrated setting, providing to the maximum extent feasible for interaction between people with and without disabilities.
If you or a household member has a special need or request for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, please contact us at least one week in advance of an activity, program, or visit date. For more details, call 630-584-6967.