Wilmington United States Colored Troops
Public Sculpture Project
Project Unveiling November 13, 2021
Cameron Art Museum was the site of the Battle of Forks Road, a Civil War skirmish whose victory was won by the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and led to the fall of Wilmington. Many of the 1600 African-American soldiers who fought here were native to this area, and after the war, many of them stayed to settle, raise their families, establish educational opportunities, and build a thriving merchant class. Their impact is significant, yet their story is virtually unknown.
About the Project
North Carolina artist Stephen Hayes has fashioned this life-size bronze sculpture from the cast features of 11 African American men connected to the site and its story -- USCT descendants, re-enactors, veterans, and community leaders. The sculpture is connected deeply to the community’s history, its present, and its future.
About the Artist
Stephen Hayes is the winner of the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art. He teaches in the department of Art and Art History at Duke University. Hayes's work has been featured at the National Cathedral, Winston Salem State University, Duke University, CAM Raleigh, Rosa Parks Museum, African American Museum of Philadelphia, and Harvey B. Gantt Center, among others.
Be a Part of History
There are multiple ways to get involved: general donation, pavers, and sponsorships. Your donation, at any level, helps to make this sculpture possible.
Let your gift to the USCT sculpture make a lasting imprint on the site. Purchase a brick in honor or in memory of someone you love. Deadline to purchase pavers is July 1, 2021.
Business Logo 8x8 Brick $1,000
- Your business logo and 1-4 lines of text permanently engraved on a paver at the public sculpture site
- Invitation to sculpture installation in November 2021
- One complimentary VIP card
- An invitation to a behind-the-scenes conversation with artist Stephen Hayes and the installation team
Individual 8x8 Brick $1,000
- 1-4 lines of text permanently engraved on a paver at the public sculpture site with an optional logo or clip art
- Invitation to sculpture installation in November 2021
- One complimentary VIP card
- An invitation to a behind-the-scenes conversation with artist Stephen Hayes and the installation team
8x8 Brick $500
- 1-4 lines of text permanently engraved on a paver at the public sculpture site
- Invitation to sculpture installation in November 2021
- One complimentary VIP card
4x8 Brick $250
- 1-3 lines of text permanently engraved on a paver at the public sculpture site
- Invitation to sculpture installation in November 2021
- One complimentary VIP card
Sponsorship Legacy levels
These sponsorships are available for individuals, foundations, and businesses.
Lasting Legacy Sponsor $25,000
- Prominent permanent recognition at the sculpture site
- Private Reception for 20 with Stephen Hayes and
Executive Director Anne Brennen
- Recognition in all media, website, and 20,000+ digital impressions,
newsletters, and social media exposures
- Six tickets to behind-the-scenes conversation with Stephen Hayes and the installation team
- Invitation to all sculpture installation events
- Two complimentary VIP cards
Supporting Legacy Sponsor $10,000
- Permanent recognition at the sculpture site
- Recognition in all media, website, and 20,000+ digital impressions,
newsletters, and social media exposures
- Four tickets to behind-the-scenes conversation with Stephen Hayes and the installation team
- Invitation to all sculpture installation events
- Two complimentary VIP cards
Contributing Legacy Sponsor $5,000
- Permanent recognition at the sculpture site
- Recognition in all media, website, and 20,000+ digital impressions,
newsletters, and social media exposures
- Two tickets to behind-the-scenes conversation with Stephen Hayes and the installation team
- Invitation to all sculpture installation events
- Two complimentary VIP cards