USCT INSTITUTE OF HARRISBURG, PA sets its conference for September 20-21, 2002, as the kick-off event for the national symposium coordinated by the United States Colored Troops Institute over the next three years. Beginning with a reception Friday evening and ending with sessions throughout Saturday, the conference has attracted such persons as Black Entertainment Network's Ed Gordon, National Public Radio's Noah Trudeau, University of Houston historian Robert J.M. Blackett, and Frederick Douglass IV. Harry Bradshaw Matthews, national USCT Institute president, and associate dean of the office of academic affairs at Hartwick College, will present awards at the Friday evening reception. The cost for the conference, including the Friday reception and Saturday lunch is $45.00. The Saturday program, with lunch, is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for students. Tickets for the Friday reception only are $30.00. For more information, visit The National Civil War Museum website at www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org or telephone 717-260-1861 to make rerservations. The telephone number at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Harrisburg, is 717-234-5021 or 1-800-2-CROWNE. Ask about specifical hotel rates for the USCT Institute's Civil War Confeference. For further information about the national USCT Institute click http://www.hartwick.edu/usct/usct.htm