The USS Hornet Museum is partnering with the Walking Ghosts of Black History to present a special exhibit for Black History Month.

The African American Medal of Honor Winners, Significant Military Achievements and Members of NASA exhibit will begin Friday, Feb. 4 and be displayed throughout February. The three-part exhibit will display photos, biographies, stories and more of the achievements by African American military and NASA members.

According to the U.S. Army website, army.mil, of the 3,498 service members who have received the Medal of Honor throughout U.S. history, only 88 have been African American. The first African American to receive the award was Army Sgt. William H. Carney. He earned the honor for protecting the American flag during the Civil War. On July 18, 1863, the soldiers of Carney’s regiment led the charge on Fort Wagner. During the battle, the unit’s color guard was shot. Carney, who was just a few feet away, saw the dying man stumble, and he scrambled to catch the falling flag. Despite suffering several serious gunshot wounds himself, Carney kept the symbol of the Union held high as he crawled up the hill to the walls of Fort Wagner.

Carney will be one of many heroes memorialized in the exhibit.

Supporters and sponsors of the event include Col. Conway B. Jones Jr. (RET.) United States Air Force; members of the USS Hornet Museum; members of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Co. I, Civil War, Charleston, SC; and Leon Watkins, Larry Thompson, and members of The Walking Ghosts of Black History.

The 54th Massachusetts Regiment Co. I, Civil War, Charleston, SC is a group dedicated to preserving the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment and the United States Colored Troops Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. According to History.com, its members became known for their bravery and fierce fighting against Confederate forces. They were the second all-Black Union regiment to fight in the war, after the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

The Walking Ghosts of Black History is a historical and educational organization, exploring the history of African American men and women’s engagement in the United States Military. They promote educational programs and community outreach focused on the preservation of African American military history and culture.

The USS Hornet Museum is open Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located at 707 West Hornet Ave.

For more information about the event or the USS Hornet Museum, contact Russell More at 510-599-4272. For more information about the Walking Ghosts of Black History, visit https://tinyurl.com/bp56ec4s.