Institute of Texan Cultures hosts "Buffalo Soldier Day" Feb. 8

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(Jan. 29, 2015) -- In observance of African-American history month, the Institute of Texan Cultures will host “Buffalo Soldier Day" honoring the Buffalo Soldiers – African-American cavalrymen assigned to the Texas Frontier. The event, the museum’s free Second Sunday,. will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8.

After the Civil War, African-Americans had earned a place in the regular army, no longer considered volunteers or irregular troops. Two regiments of African-American infantry and two regiments of African-American cavalry were founded and eventually, the cavalrymen were assigned to the Texas Frontier.

Buffalo Soldiers made numerous contributions to Texas, as they scouted and mapped the frontier. They were responsible for protecting the mail and building telegraph lines. When they weren’t out on the trail, the cavalrymen built a tight-knit community with the fort attracting traders, families and more.

Organizations including Texas Parks & Wildlife, Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers, Texas Camel Corps, and Seminole Scout educator Clifton Fifer will help families get hands-on with life in the regiments, from map reading and using orienteering tools, to handling the equipment a Buffalo Soldier would have carried, to putting on a Buffalo Soldier uniform.

"The military has always provided a forum for social experimentation and change, and the Buffalo Soldiers are a shining example of this," said Greg Garrett , museum educator and coordinator for the family day. "We hope to share a glimpse of the honor, bravery and dedication these soldiers provided in service to their country. They were true patriots."

Buffalo Soldier Day is set on the museum’s "Back 40" outdoor education area. It includes re-creation 1800s structures such as a frontier fort, log house and one-room schoolhouse. Inside the museum, gallery hosts will be available in the African-American Texans area, offering further information on African-Americans in Texas, including ties to Seminole scouts, and additional contributions African Americans have made in service to the armed forces.

The Institute of Texan Cultures is located on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk.

Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free on the second Sunday of the month; regular admission is $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification.

For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

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