LEONARDTOWN, MD — The St. Mary’s County Museum Division invites residents and visitors to the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Interpretive Center in Lexington Park this February for free public access to exhibits highlighting the contributions of local African Americans during Black History Month. The center, part of Lexington Manor Passive Park, will open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday: February 4, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28, 2026.
Visitors can explore stories of bravery from two St. Mary’s County natives who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving in the 38th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. Private William H. Barnes of Company C and Sergeant James H. Harris received the nation’s highest military award for actions at the Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia, on September 29, 1864. Barnes, wounded yet among the first to enter enemy works, and Harris, noted for gallantry in the assault, exemplified the valor of African American soldiers who fought for the Union. The 38th USCT drew many recruits from St. Mary’s County farmers, including formerly enslaved men and free tenants, underscoring local ties to this pivotal engagement where 14 USCT soldiers earned Medals of Honor overall.
An interpretive trail connects the center in Lexington Manor Passive Park to John G. Lancaster Park, featuring panels on the Civil War era in St. Mary’s County and the role of African American troops, leading to a statue honoring a USCT soldier. Inside the center, exhibits detail these Medal of Honor recipients and broader aspects of African American history in the area, including segregated education.
Staff will be on site during open hours to answer questions and share details on these historical accounts. Admission remains free, making the site accessible for individuals, families, and groups seeking to learn about Southern Maryland’s African American heritage.
The USCT Interpretive Center operates under the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, established by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County to collect, preserve, research, and interpret historic sites and artifacts reflecting the county’s natural and cultural histories, including those tied to the Potomac River. The division manages several properties, such as St. Clement’s Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, the Old Jail Museum, and the Drayden African American Schoolhouse, serving as a resource and advocate for public and private cultural assets across the county.
The center’s special February openings align with annual efforts to spotlight Black History Month, providing focused opportunities to engage with local stories of resilience, military service, and community contributions. For additional details, contact the center at (301) 769-2222 or check events on Facebook.com/USCTCenter.