Fredric Minus grew up and was educated in Delaware. After a stint in the US Army Fred and his wife, Faye, moved to New Jersey in 1965 where they reared their two daughters Michelle and DeAnna. After 46 years, Fred and his wife moved back to his native Delaware. Along with his many interest, hunting, bowling, trap shooting and muscle cars, Fred is also a History Buff.
His interest in the Civil War peaked when he had an industrial accident and could not participate in his other hobbies therefore, finding time to read and research. He discovered that he had two great-great grandfathers that served in the Civil War. He joined the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops, out of Philadelphia PA. This is one of the regiment started out of Camp William Penn of which his great, great, grandfathers were a part. Fred founded a Civil War re-enactment group in Trenton; the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops, Inc. The 1st Rhode Island, a Revolutionary War re-enactment group is also organized under the 501c3 umbrella of the corporation. Youth cadets, who are mentored by the members, are a part of both re-enactment groups. These re-enactors have spoken and presented living history displays at schools, churches, civic organizations, museums and radio and TV programs throughout the tri-state area. The cadets have participated in re-enactments and camp-outs in Virginia, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. The organization has also sponsored young people in The Old Barracks Summer and the Fife and Drum Camps. The Sixth Regiment received The Community Development Award from the city of Trenton.
Since his retirement from the automotive industry, Fred has served as a storyteller part-time at The Old Barracks. Fred has also enjoyed participating in living history presentations, parades, re-enactments and making historical movies throughout the country. His movie credits include “Making Of America” by James Horton; ‘Washington Crossing The Delaware” by Mighty Flee; Documentary for Mt. Vernon: “Blacks In The American Revolution” for the Valley Forge Visitors Center and “America’s First D- Day.” Fred’s most recent presentations include the New York Historical Society and an in-service for educators in California. Fred served as an honor guard for the re-interment of the slaves discovered in Manhattan and the recovery of the USCT Flag by the FBI.
Fred was a member for over thirty years of Caldwalader Asbury United Methodist Church were he served as coordinator of Youth Fellowship, member of Gospel Choir, United Methodist Men, and trustee board. Fred also served as head trustee and church bus driver.
Fred’s awards include recognition proclamations by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly as well as The Mercer County Executives. Certificates of appreciation from Camp Olden, Philadelphia American Revolution and Thomas Middleton Round Tables; Junteenth Hero Award; The Compassion and Justice Award from Saint Michaels Episcopal Church, The NAACP, and Outstanding Service Award from fellow Camp Mifflin Re-enactors.
Fred served in the US Army’s Signal Corp. He was honorable discharged and later joined Trenton’s Mitchell Davis Post # 182 of the American Legion.
Fred has won the highest awards in trapshooting, many awards and gold tools for repairing cars, trophies for bowling and accolades and recognition for historical presentations but his greatest rewards are Darynn and Reese; his grandchildren.
HISTORIAN - Fredric Minus