Preserving Our Shared Legacy

Preserving Our Shared History

History is more than dates and events—it is the stories of the people who shaped our nation. Yet the contributions of countless African American men and women who served during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War remain underrepresented, overlooked, or forgotten.

Descendants of Heritage and Freedom (DHF) was founded to change that.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of African American military service through genealogy and lineage research, historic preservation, education, and community engagement. By documenting family histories, supporting the preservation of historic sites and memorials, and sharing these stories with the public, we help ensure that these extraordinary legacies are never lost.

Our mission is deeply personal. DHF was inspired by my own family's history. My ancestors include Job Lathrop, an African American Revolutionary War patriot, and Quartermaster Sergeant Daniel Stanley Lathrop of the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment. Their stories remind us that many more families are still searching for their connections to the past, and many historic places and records still need to be preserved.

Your support will help DHF:

• Conduct genealogy and lineage research.
• Preserve and promote historic sites, monuments, memorials, and archival records.
• Create educational resources and historical storytelling projects.
• Engage descendants and communities in preserving African American military history.

Every donation, regardless of size, helps us uncover forgotten stories, protect irreplaceable history, and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices, courage, and contributions of those who came before us.

Together, we can honor our ancestors, preserve our history, and inspire future generations.

Thank you for supporting Descendants of Heritage and Freedom.