These are additional readings to supplement viewing the film "Glory".
In the Film
- Robert Gould Shaw, a short biography.
- Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, with links to photographs.
- Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist. He played an important part in forming the Massachusetts 54th Infantry. He appears in the film twice. Not mentioned is the fact that two sons of Frederick Douglass served in the 54th. Read a short biography. Read his call for men to join the Massachusetts 54th. Read his collected works at the Library of Congress.
- The film closes with a view of the Saint-Gaudens Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment on the Boston Common. Tour the Monument at the National Gallery of Art.
- Read about the attack on Fort Wagner as reported on August 8, 1863 by Harper's Weekly magazine.
Not in the film, (but part of history)
William H. Carney was an African-American soldier in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry and the first African-American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Read his story. Read his words. In the film, it is "Private Trip", played by Denzel Washington, who takes up the flag.
The words and music to "Give Us A Flag", a song sung by the 54th are available. Click the music icon to play the song and click on the song title to read an explanation of the song.
In the film, (but not part of history)
- What about Cabot Forbes, Jupiter Sharts, John Rawlins, Private Trip, Thomas Searles? Basically, they are all fictional, although they may be composites based on historical fact. For example, "Private Trip" may be based on William H. Carney (see above). "Cabot Forbes" is an interesting case, since "Cabot" and "Forbes" are are both surnames of important Boston families.