Evening Lecture: First Footsteps of Freedom

The Bartow History Museum welcomes historian Brad Quinlin for a compelling presentation on formerly enslaved men who became U.S. soldiers during the Civil War.

In 1864, these newly freed men served as stretcher bearers during the Atlanta Campaign, moving across the battlefields of Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Vinings Station, and Atlanta. Under fire, they risked their lives to save wounded Union soldiers, playing a critical yet often overlooked role in the war effort.

During the program, Quinlin will share the stories of William Tucker, Matthew Moore, George Wilson, Cleve Berq, and others, tracing their journeys from slavery to freedom to military service. Using personal accounts and historical documentation, the presentation highlights their courage, resilience, and humanity during and after the war.

About the Speaker

Brad Quinlin is a lifelong student of American history with a focus on the Civil War. He has contributed to 32 film and television productions, including Glory, Gettysburg, Andersonville, and The Perfect Tribute, and appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? as a research advisor. He served as lead researcher for the award-winning Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield film One Last Mountain and has contributed to National Geographic’s Diggers and The Untold Story of the Civil War.

A Master Volunteer with the National Park Service, Quinlin has logged over 10,000 volunteer hours, with his research featured in exhibits at the Atlanta History Center and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. He has written or co-written 25 Civil War books, helped secure Medals of Honor for Andrews Raid participants, and leads battlefield tours for visitors from around the world.