The Ohio Humanities Council makes it possible for us to bring Anthony Gibbs to Athens for our program on March 14. The Ohio Humanities Council provides leadership, resources, and financial support for the humanities in Ohio. Anthony Gibbs has traveled throughout Ohio as a teaching artist and living history performer. For almost ten years he has presented historical workshops and performances on the United States Colored Troops and their participation in the Civil War. A graduate of Ohio State University, Mr. Gibbs is founder and creative director of Black Historic Impressions, an organization dedicated to the remembrance, appreciation, and exhibition of African American contributions throughout history.
Mr. Gibbs portrayal of Milton Holland is very appropriate for Athens County since Milton Holland lived in the Albany area at the time of his enlistment in the service. [See the separate section on this web site devoted to Sgt. Major Holland.
Who was Milton Holland?
Sergeant Major Milton Murray Holland served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, joining the 5th United States Colored Infantry in Athens, Ohio. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration, for his actions in the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm in Virginia. Holland had been born a slave, and his father, a prominent Texan, fought for the Confederacy. Learn about Holland’s extraordinary story in this dramatic presentation by Anthony Gibbs.
