CHESTERTOWN — Sumner Hall, one of only two historically African American Grand Army of the Republic posts still standing in the United States, is launching a free monthly reading program designed for elementary-aged children in Kent County.
Dream Academy @ Sumner Hall, known by the acronym DA@SH, will kick off on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Sumner Hall, located at 206 S. Queen St. in downtown Chestertown.
Meghan Efland, the newly elected mayor of Chestertown, will be the guest reader.
DA@SH will continue the second Saturday of every month through June 2026.
“The Dream Academy @ Sumner Hall aims to foster a love of reading, inspire imagination and strengthen academic confidence among young learners,” a news release states.
Children who attend will enjoy stories, hands-on activities and opportunities for creative expression. They will receive free books, prizes and other incentives to support sustained engagement and build home libraries.
The program is supported through local grants.
“Reading is one of the fundamental skills that helps children explore their interests, expand their vocabulary and discover new possibilities,” said Sumner Hall board President Vanessa Ringgold.
“Through DA@SH, we hope to give every child in our community a space to dream, learn and grow,” she said.
Sumner Hall has a long history as a gathering place for learning, civic discussion and community celebration.
With the launch of DA@SH, the organization continues its commitment to educational enrichment and youth engagement.
According to the news release, the goals of the Dream Academy include:
• Increasing reading habits and skills.
• Building vocabulary.
• Encouraging social interaction.
• Providing a healthy break from electronic devices.
• Offering a supportive environment for children and a helpful break for parents.
• Stimulating curiosity, excitement and confidence in young readers.
Families may register for the program using the QR code or link provided on promotional materials.
While registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome.
For more information, visit www.sumnerhall.org or contact Sumner Hall at info@sumnerhall.org.
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Sumner Hall is a nonprofit historic site and museum preserving the legacy of African American Civil War veterans and celebrating the contributions of African Americans in Kent County and beyond.
As a vibrant cultural center, Sumner Hall hosts educational programs, community events, exhibitions and partnerships that honor history while supporting contemporary community needs.
Union veterans formed the Grand Army of the Republic as a national social and fraternal organization on April 6, 1866, about a year after Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate troops to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
Charles Sumner Post #25 in Chestertown — named for the U.S. senator from Massachusetts who was a fierce advocate of emancipation and voting rights for African Americans — was one of 56 Maryland GAR posts, of which 22 were African American.
Post #25 was established in 1882 by about 20 or so Civil War veterans who had served in the U.S. Colored Troops.
Today, Post #25 is one of only two historically African American GAR posts still standing in the United States, and the only one still open to the public.
