The Mathews Maritime Foundation will host Dr. Wesley Wilson of Gloucester during its next speaker meeting, which is scheduled for next Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. at the MMF Museum, Main Street. The public is invited to attend the presentation.

Wilson will present the story of how African American watermen and members of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi tribes were involved in the transportation of wounded Union soldiers from around Richmond to a hospital ship anchored off Gloucester Point. This was all done under a cover of darkness.

Wilson is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and combat aviator, having served as a helicopter gunship pilot. He earned a doctoral degree in historical research from the College of William and Mary and serves as president of the T.C. Walker/Woodville/Rosenwald School Foundation and executive director of the historic Gloucester school’s rehabilitation project. He is also a court-certified provider of arbitration services. ...