Richmond National Battlefield Park to hold event commemorating Election Day 1864

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond National Battlefield Park will host an event commemorating the anniversary of the 5th United States Colored Troops voting in the 1864 presidential election at Fort Harrison. On Saturday, Nov. 2, Richmond National Battlefield Park will hold the event, "Election Day 1864: Black Soldiers Vote on the Front Lines," from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Harrison visitor center, located at 8761 Battlefield Park Road in Richmond. (Photo courtesy: Richmond National Battlefield Park)(Photo courtesy: Richmond National Battlefield Park) The event will include park ranger-led programs, living history and educational activities. The following is the schedule for the commemoration on Saturday, Nov. 2: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Historical election day hands-on activities for all ages Park partners and community organizations being represented Self-guided interactive exhibits Fort Harrison Visitor Center will be open for the event Picnicking is encouraged 10 a.m -- “Black Soldiers Guarding the Front Lines: A tour of Fort Harrison/Fort Burnham and its role in the battles for Richmond" 11 a.m. -- “194: The 5th USCT’s vote at Fort Harrison” walking program Noon -- “Corresponding with History” Living history presentation depicting Thomas Morris Chester, the only African American reporter for a Civil War daily newspaper, and his firsthand account of election day 1864. 1 p.m. -- “Black Soldiers Guarding the Front Lines: A tour of Fort Harrison/Fort Burnham and its role in the battles for Richmond” 2 p.m. -- “194: The 5th USCT’s vote at Fort Harrison” walking program 3 p.m. -- “Corresponding with History” Interactive living history presentation and conversation with Thomas Morris Chester. For more information about the event, visit the National Park Service's website.