This medal signifies the role that African American women played in preserving the legacy of African American Civil War veterans. Sumner Hall in Chestertown was the meeting place the Women’s Relief Corp, a group of women that assisted the Grand Army of the Republic during and after the Civil War. It was the goal of the organization to commemorate the Union victory and honor fallen soldiers, as well as to provide relief to destitute veterans–including army nurses–and their dependents.

The group’s motto “Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty” is clearly represented in the ring of stars around the picture and with the letter “F, C, and L” at the top of the medallion. From the red, white, and blue ribbon on the medal, to the picture in the middle which showing a woman, soldier, and boy working together, every design element of the medal elicits the motto.

It represents both the traditional and non-traditional roles of women during this time. While women who belonged to the group were primarily responsible for helping to aid veterans and their families, they also took a political stance when they joined this group. These women celebrated the Union victory and fought for the the end of slavery. Taking a political stance is not something that women traditionally did at the time.

Despite the important work of the Women’s Relief Corp, the organization was segregated. Many white women did not want to work with their African American counterparts, even after fighting for their emancipation from slavery. This forced African American women to form their own separate chapters, including the one at Sumner Hall in Chestertown.

Even in the face of racism, Sumner Hall’s Women’s Relief Corp was able to persevere and uphold the motto and goals of the original group. The fact that they were able to dedicate themselves fully in the face of adversity demonstrated the very motto of the Relief Corp. Fraternity to represent the support and friendship they gave to African American soldiers, Charity to show the work they did to help improve the lives of others around them, and loyalty to their friends, families, and soldiers. This group of women gave representation to themselves, and the African American soldiers that fought in the war. These values are something that should be remembered when talking about African American history.

– Kamden Richardson

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