Dr. Robert Wechsler has worked on an exhibit for New Rochelle Public Library on Troop 16, a segregated Boy Scout troop in New Rochelle that morphed into the Charles W. Dickerson Field Music group — an all African-American fife, drum and bugle group that played “ancient” marching music. Dr. Wechsler interviewed members, collected photos, and put together panels as part of exhibit curation. An article on the troop will appear in Westchester History soon.
Exhibit: We’ve Come a Long Way Together: The Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps
Friday February 1 – Thursday, February 28
The story of an extraordinary New Rochelle group, that was formed from a segregated African-American boy scout troop and became one of America’s leading fife, drum and bugle field corps, will be featured in this exhibit. Images, sounds, and artifacts will trace the Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps’ origins, members, and its award-winning role on a national level. Lumen Winter Gallery. FREE.
Sunday, February 23, 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm: An Exhibit Reception in the Gallery will follow the Harlem Blues & Jazz Quartet performance.
The library is located at 1 Library Plaza in New Rochelle near the Metro North train stop and transit center for Westchester County buses that run into the Bronx. The hours are posted on its website at https://nrpl.org.
