Ann Bradford Stokes: African American Civil War Nurse

A Road Scholar Program by Marlene Rivero

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When

May 14, 2022
5:30pm–6:30pm

Where

International Museum of Surgical Science
1524 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60610

Cost

Free
Open to the public

Ann Bradford Strokes (1833-1903) worked aboard the Navy’s first Hospital Ship Red Rover of Mound City, Illinois. She worked with sick and wounded soldiers aboard the United States Naval Hospital Ship (U.S.N.) throughout the Western Theater of the Civil War on both the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and their tributaries.

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Stokes lived mostly aboard the Red Rover, but occasionally stayed in the Mound City contraband camp in a community of over two thousand people. She volunteered with the Sisters of the Holy Cross and Naval ship officers working as "first class boy," cook, laundress, mender- anything to get food to eat. Eventually, Ann assumed the role of a nurse, leading to the beginning of a profession that would last generations. She was the first woman to earn a pension for her work with the U.S.N. Red Rover. After 18 months as an African American Civil War nurse, she left service in November 1864. Several years later, Ann learned to read and write. She settled, remarried, and remained in Southern Illinois for the rest of her life.

In a fascinating reenactment, Marlene Rivero will breathe life back into Ann Stokes and her story, captivating audiences and informing new learners.

This event is Free and Open to the public. Registration is required. For more information, please contact Shannon Fox at Shannon@imss.org.

Learn more about Marlene Rivero, this program, and how to book it.

Sponsors

International Museum of Surgical Science