Historian Steve Phan to speak before 'Glory' screening

A Civil War historian and National Park Service interpreter will bring rare context and scholarship to a special screening of the film "Glory" at the Jackson Theatre. The Jackson Theatre, in partnership with The Heritage Alliance, continues its Celebrating America 250: 1776–2026 film series with a special screening of "Glory" at 7 p.m.on Friday, Feb. 20, according to a press release from the Town of Jonesborough,. "Glory" (1989) is a tribute to the Army's first Black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, that was mustered up during the Civil War under the command of an inexperienced white New Englander. Before the film begins, guests will hear from Steve T. Phan, chief of interpretation, education and visitor services at Camp Nelson National Monument, according to the release. Phan is a park ranger and serves as the chief of interpretation at Camp Nelson National Monument. He has also worked at the Civil War Defenses of Washington, Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Rock Creek Park, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Stones River National Battlefield, Richmond National Battlefield Park and Gettysburg National Military Park, according to the release. A military history scholar of the Civil War era, Phan's research focuses on military occupation, operational command, African American soldiers and refugees and fortifications during the Civil War. He contributed an essay, "They Are Dead and Yet They Live: Civil War Memories in a Polarized America," published by the University of Nebraska Press (2026). He was nominated for the National Park Service Tilden Award for Excellence in Interpretation for the National Capital Region in 2019 and 2020, and the Excellence in Interpretation Individual Award for the Southeast Region in 2025. He holds a master's degree in American History from Middle Tennessee State University, according to the release. Phan's program, "Birthplace of Liberty to Kentucky: Camp Nelson and the Civil War" explores Camp Nelson, which was established in 1863 as a U.S. Army fortified base, supply depot and hospital. It became one of the country's largest recruitment and training centers for African American soldiers during the Civil War and served as a refugee camp for their wives and children. Camp Nelson represents the courage and determination of formerly enslaved African Americans to secure their own emancipation. It also illustrates the nation's struggle to define the meaning of freedom during and after the Civil War, according to the release. This event is part of The Jackson Theatre's year-long Celebrating America 250: 1776–2026 series. Tickets are on sale now at www.thejacksontheatre.com.