Explore Stories of Local African Americans

The public is encouraged to visit the US Colored Troops Interpretive Center in Lexington Park and the Drayden African American Schoolhouse to explore the contributions of African Americans in St. Mary’s County in honor of Black History Month.
- USCT Interpretive Center exhibits will be open and free to the public from 10am to 2pm every Wednesday and Saturday in February: February 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, and 26.
- The Drayden African American Schoolhouse will be open for free tours to the public from 11am to 2pm every Saturday in February: February 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Inside the USCT Interpretive Center, visitors can learn about two St. Mary’s County Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who served in the 38th Infantry Regiment of the US Colored Troops and fought for the Union during the Civil War. These two men received the Medal of Honor for their valor and bravery at the Battle of New Market Heights, VA, in 1864.
On the trail between the Interpretive Center in Lexington Manor Passive Park and John G. Lancaster Park, you can learn about the Civil War era in St. Mary’s County and the African American troops on interpretive panels that lead to the statue of the soldier.
At Drayden, visitors can discover one of the nation’s best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses, whose story represents a significant part of the county’s African American history. Visitors are invited to learn more about the restored schoolhouse, its history, and importance to education in St. Mary’s. Hear stories about how African American students learned in this school up until the mid-20th century.
Staff will be available at both locations to answer questions and provide information.
The US Colored Troops Interpretive Center is in Lexington Manor Passive Park at 21675 S. Coral Drive in Lexington Park, MD. Call 301-769-2222 or visit Facebook.
The Drayden African American Schoolhouse is at 18287 Cherryfield Road in Drayden. Call 301-994-1471 or visit Facebook.com/DraydenSchool.