The History of the Rise and Fall of the Talbot Boys Monument

On March 20, one year since the Talbot Boys statue was removed, there will be a press conference to announce the launch of a project to create a documentary titled “Monumental Struggle” about the local history and events leading up to the creation of the statue, its erection in 1916 on the courthouse lawn, and its removal in 2022.

Mike Wicklein, a documentary filmmaker from Baltimore, has taken on this project utilizing his extensive background and interest in Maryland’s Civil War history. Mike has been interviewing members of the Move the Monument Coalition and researching the Talbot Boys history to begin documenting why it was erected 50 years after the Civil War during the Jim Crow era and how diverse people came together 106 years later, sparked by the murder of George Floyd, to form the Move the Monument Coalition.

The trailer is three and a half minutes long and will be viewed at the press conference. A link will be provided to the public. The launch of an IndieGoGo page will be announced to raise initial funds to get the documentary project off the ground. The trailer contains samples of interviews from community members involved on both sides of the issue along with historical context from protests and Talbot County Council meetings.

“Documenting this intense and complex chapter in Talbot County’s history will be an important contribution to future generations of Talbot Countians and serve as a blueprint for educating and organizing for students and activists,” said Denice Lombard, who helped lead the Move the Monument Coalition.

Members of the public are invited to attend the press conference on Monday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship At Easton, 7401 Ocean Gateway in Easton, Maryland.

For more information contact Mike Wicklein at m.wicklein_group@verizon.net.