The life of Eastern Shore’s Nathaniel “Uncle Nace” Hopkins is more than a history lesson — it’s a story of faith, courage, and resilience.
Born enslaved on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Hopkins came of age during the Civil War, when freedom could be gained through enlistment. He proudly joined the United States Colored Troops, eager not only for his own liberty but for that of his community. As Atlanta-based actor Darius Wallace portrays in the one-man performance “Uncle Nace: The Day Freedom Came,” Hopkins remembered seeing Union flags flying and hearing the drums “with the sound of freedom,” knowing there was no turning back.
Yet Hopkins never saw battle. A medical condition led to his discharge, cutting short his dream of serving as a soldier. Rather than surrender to disappointment, he redirected that same fire into rebuilding at home, founding Talbot County’s first Black school, helping build churches, roads, and strong Black communities.
Working closely with historian Paul Callahan and the Talbot Historical Society, Wallace brings Hopkins’ voice to life in a fast-moving series of public and school performances across the Mid-Shore.
In our Spy interview, both Wallace and Callahan say this living history effort is about more than performance; it’s about honoring a local hero whose legacy still shapes the community today.
This video is approximately six minutes long. For more information, please go here.
Free Public Performances:
Monday, February 23rd at 3:00 pm – Chesapeake College, Cadby Theatre (1000 College Circle, Wye Mills) (Please check on weather cancellation)
Tuesday, February 24th at 5:30 pm – South Dorchester High School (2475 Cambridge Beltway, Cambridge)
Wednesday, February 25th at 5:30 pm – Easton High School (723 Mecklenburg Avenue, Easton)
Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 pm – Lockerman Middle School (410 Lockerman Street, Denton)
The post Spy Chat: Bringing the Life of the Shore’s Nathaniel “Uncle Nace” Hopkins to Life appeared first on Talbot Spy.
