On The Road North
Black Canada and the Journey to Freedom
In the 18th century, Black Canadians began a long journey, one composed of many human stories.
These narratives encompass groundbreaking laws, acts of personal heroism, as well as years of steady and determined work.
“On the Road North” tells just some of these stirring tales of idealism, courage and leadership.
In cooperation with Canadians from across the country, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommends persons, places and events to be recognized as nationally significant to Canada’s history. This exhibit tells the story of Canada’s Black communities through the lens of these national designations.
Explore More at the Virtual Museum of Canada
For many Black people, Canada was a land of freedom – a safe haven from a life of slavery. Many Afro-Canadians came to Canada through the Underground Railroad in search of a better life.
The Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC) uncovers the history of Black Canadians and their contributions to the establishment of Canada. Come delve into the many stories and images from Canadian museums and cultural centres that explore the unique tales of Black Canadians – and Canada before the abolition of slavery.
An Exhibit of Freedom
Remembering Black Loyalists, Black Communities in Nova Scotia is a creation by the Museum of Nova Scotia in association with the Virtual Museum of Canada that looks at the escape of many African Americans to Canada, where they founded two Nova Scotian Black Loyalist communities, Birchtown and Tracadie.
Remembering Black Loyalists, Black Communities in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Museum
Did you know that the Act to Abolish Slavery in the British Empire was not passed by British Parliament until 1833, but the Governor of Upper Canada (Ontario), John Simcoe, a pioneer in the movement, passed the Anti-Slavery Act in 1793 freeing slaves which lead to Ontario becoming a safe end for slaves traveling on the Underground Railroad.
The Images of Freedom
Afro-American
Image Gallery of the Virtual Museum of CanadaDid you knot that the novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, was based on the life of Josiah Henson, a writer, conductor on the Underground Railway and co-founder of a refugee settlement near Dresden, Ontario? His house is now part of the Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site.
Museums and Historic Sites
With such a rich and long history of Black people in Canada, many Canadian museums have artefacts and exhibits dedicated to these pioneers who helped establish many cities across Canada. In fact, there are many museums and historic sites that are solely dedicated to African Canadian history.
Did you know that Africville was the site of a historic Black Canadian community on the outskirts of Halifax? Demolished in the 1960s, Africville remains a symbol to Black Canadian of the need for vigilance in defense of their institutions.
Black Community Stories and Learning about the Black Community
The VMC Community Memories offer a more intimate look at the role that African Canadians played in their communities. The VMC Learning Centre offers learning resources, lesson plans and activities that allow teachers and students a unique and interactive opportunity to bring Canadian history to life.
Did you know that Governor James Douglas (1803 – 1877), founder of Victoria, first Governor of Vancouver Island and BC’s Founding Father was born in British Guiana to a free Black woman and Scottish sugar planter? Douglas, a former fur trader for the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) was eventually knighted in recognition of his work.
