Exhibit to Focus on Black Loyalist History

Nova Scotia's Black Loyalist history is the focus of a new exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax.

The Remembering Black Loyalists, Black Communities exhibit marks the first public exposure of historical and archaeological research about Black Loyalists in Birchtown, Shelburne County, and the Tracadie area of Antigonish and Guysborough Counties. The research project, conducted by the Nova Scotia Museum, began in early 1998.

"The stories, strengths and struggles of the Black Loyalists are an important part of Nova Scotia's rich heritage," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "As we learn about that history, we'll also gain a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing the Black community today."

The impact of the project is likely to extend beyond Nova Scotia.

"Throughout North America people are connecting with black history. Visitors will come here to explore the story of the Black Loyalists, and research and exhibitions like this will support their search," added Mr. MacDonald.

The exhibit introduces the Black Loyalists and their lives before and after arriving in Nova Scotia. The display includes artifacts discovered during archaeological investigations, historical images, and stories of Black Loyalist women and men.

More than 2,700 Black Loyalists landed in Nova Scotia as a result of the American Revolution. Survivors of slavery, war, and harsh conditions in an unknown land, they founded settlements throughout the province. By 1785, the largest community of free Blacks in North America had been established in Birchtown, Shelburne County. Two years later, 74 Black Loyalist families were granted 3,000 acres called the Brownspriggs Grant, in what is now the Tracadie area of Antigonish and Guysborough counties.

The surnames of the known Black Loyalist families who emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1783 are included in the exhibition.

"For many people, reading their family names on that list will make a powerful, important connection with their past," said Carmelita Robertson, historical researcher for the project. "Many Black families in Nova Scotia don't know their people were original settlers in the province over 200 years ago."

The project was funded by the Nova Scotia Museum's history section and the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The project involved working with the people of the communities, Parks Canada, the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, and the African Canadian Services and Learning Resources and Technology divisions of the Department of Education.

The exhibit officially opens today, Jan. 26, at 5 p.m. and will remain in Halifax until March 5. Remembering Black Loyalists, Black Communities will then begin travelling to communities throughout the province over the next few years.

The Museum of Natural History is located at 1747 Summer St., Halifax, and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibits are closed on Mondays. Admission to the museum is by donation during the winter season.