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African American Civil War Museum and Memorial to Establish Memorial Fund in Honor of Larry Dillard

WASHINGTON - Dr. Frank Smith, executive director of The African American Civil War Museum and Memorial, issued the following statement upon the death of Larry Dillard, the long-time Communications Director and life-long friend of U. S. Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.):

“We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Larry Dillard. He was a very, very good friend of ours and a person who was dedicated to preserving the memory of African American soldiers of the Civil War. Larry worked with us in the planning of our April 12th program

 to commemorate the start of the Civil War. From the podium, he talked about the contrabands (enslaved Africans) coming into the area around Fort Monroe down in Hampton, Virginia, where Hampton University now sits. He also talked about the jubilation that they felt, knowing that they were going to get their freedom here in the United States.”

Congressman Scott announced a memorial service for Dillard, which was held on Saturday, April 23, at noon. at Ivy Baptist Church 50 Maple Avenue Newport News, Va.. The 59-year-old died shortly after taking ill April 20 while on a historical tour of Fort Monroe with Congressman Scott and Senator Mark Warner.

Congressman Scott’s office has also announced that “In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C. at www.afroamcivilwar.org.”

In accordance with his wishes, Dr. Smith says a special fund will be set up in the honor of Dillard. “Larry was an ardent supporter,” said Dr. Smith. “So we are honored to remember him and very pleased that he has chosen to leave us in his memory and his wishes. We certainly look forward to sharing the story about his great legacy with the rest of the world.”

For more information, contact Dr. Frank Smith at 202-667-2667; email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.afroamcivilwar.org.