Today Marks the Start of Black History Month

Explore Niagara's rich history as the final destination of the Underground Railroad

It is a month where we commemorate, celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadians of African descent and recognize their rights to equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination in Canada.

The month has special significance in Niagara, because the region was the final destination of the renowned ‘Underground Railroad’.

On its website Niagara Falls Tourism explains the railroad was "a secret network of routes from Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and on to Niagara-on-the-Lake that enslaved people from the United States followed to find freedom in Canada.  It is estimated that 30,000-40,000 enslaved people escaped into Canada from the US from 1800-1865. Among those who escaped to Canada was a heroine named Harriet Tubman who made 13 return trips to liberate others through the Underground Railroad between 1852 and 1857. Burr Plato also escaped to Canada where we he went on to become a prosperous businessman and politician in local government and had property acquisitions on what is now Stanley Avenue in Niagara Falls."

This month we are all invited  explore the historic sites in Niagara including, The Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel, a designated National Historic Site part of the Freedom Trail on Peer Street in Niagara Falls,  the Bertie Street Ferry Landing & Freedom Park in Fort Erie or in Niagara on the Lake, the William and Susannah Steward House.

William Steward was  a successful businessman who helped protect African American refugees in the region.

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre also invites residents to sign up for a live virtual presentation of their new Black History program, On the Liberty Line: Early Black History in St. Catharines.

Explore the Black experience in St. Catharines through the eyes of Freedom Seekers and members of the Black community during the era of the Underground Railroad and beyond.

To register click here.