Joshua W. Baker (1837-1909) was a lifelong resident of Maryland. Born into slavery, he served in the 39th United States Colored Troops (USCT), which participated in the Siege of Petersburg, the capture of Fort Fisher, and more. After the war, he raised a family of four as a laborer in Flintstone and Hancock, Maryland. Urner Garfield Carl (1880-1962) took this photograph in Hancock, probably at a 4th of July celebration. The photograph, titled “Joshua Baker, Ex-Slave, and Union Army Veteran,” is an albumen print from Hancock dated July 1898. A flag for the 4th regiment of the USCT and several manuscripts are already in the Museum collection at MCHC, but this newly acquired photograph is the first of a USCT veteran. #MarylandHistory #mdhistory