The significant and outstanding sites and work of the Underground Railroad in Chatham-Kent are being recognized across the province.
Chatham-Kent officials say recently, on January 27, 2019, Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site in Dresden received the Harriet Tubman Award, Commitment to a purpose by the Ontario Black History Society.
Site Manager Steven Cook accepted the award during the OBHS annual meeting recognizing outstanding delivery of Canadian history.
The award recognizes dedication to Black History preservation, programming and historical site stewardship.
“It was an honour to be acknowledged by the Society and our colleagues who are in the trenches with us, elevating the stories of African Canadians and how their achievements continue to shape our understanding of race, identity and freedom,” stated Steven Cook, site manager at Uncle Tom’s Cabin, in a media release.
A plaque was presented at the awards ceremony to Beth Hanna, CEO of the Ontario Heritage Trust which owns and operates Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site.
Meanwhile, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum and the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum are also featured in the January/February edition of Canadian Geographic.
Chatham-Kent Tourism hosted Travel Writer and Influencer Heather Greenwood Davis in the fall of 2018.
The magazine article features her visit, along with an online tribute to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and was released to coincide with Black History Month (February).
“It’s important to recognize Black History and this month because it honours the Black men and women who made and changed history who are too often left out of the euro-centric histories many grew up on,” stated CKBHS & Black Mecca Museum Executive Director-Curator, Samantha Meredith.
“In Chatham-Kent Black men and women, whether fugitive slaves or free Blacks, came here and helped build our city and towns. Without their hard work, determination and influence Chatham-Kent wouldn’t be the community it is today.”
“Black history belongs to everyone and like all history should be celebrated and recognized every day and not just for one month,” added Buxton Museum Curator, Shannon Prince.
“The impact that African Canadians have made on this country is part of our collective consciousness. It’s also a time to pause and remember their struggles and to commemorate their stories and achievements.”
February is Black History Month and there is plenty for the public to take in in terms of events in Chatham-Kent to mark the significance.
Buxton Museum along with Buxton’s Next Generation are pleased to present “A Snapshot in the Family Album” on February 23 at the North Buxton Community Church.
On February 1, children are encouraged to learn more about Viola Desmond, featured on the new Canadian ten dollar bill, at the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site is hosting “A Chatham-Kent Tapestry: A Visual History to 1950 by Jim and Lisa Gilbert” on February 18.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is also reaching out to encourage the teachings of Black History through a workshop scheduled for February 15.
It is aimed to help educators and parents incorporate the history of African enslavement into Canada into their history studies (Grades 3 through 10).
More details can be found online at https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/en/index.php/calendar?e=38291&d=
At the Thames Art Gallery, a new exhibit open through March 10, takes a look at Black Feminism featuring artists Allyson Mitchell and Madelyne Beckles. The exhibit runs through March 10.
At the Chatham Capitol Theatre, join Ben Heppner and the Toronto Mass Choir for a Gospel Celebration on February 3. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Make 2019 the year to connect with Chatham-Kent’s world renowned Underground Railroad sites. For a downloadable brochure about the three sites and to learn more, https://www.chatham-kent.ca/Tourism/things-to-see/underground-railroad.
