Black History Month Feature

February is Black History Month, which celebrates and honours the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.

Did you know that Lakeshore is home to the John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum? 

The site, which opened in 1985, tells the local story of Canada's role as the "last stop" of the Underground Railroad and how escaped slaves came to settle and build communities in places like Lakeshore. Featuring the original cabin built in 1846 by John Freeman Walls and his wife Jane King Walls, the historic site gives visitors the chance to learn about their journey from North Carolina to freedom, as well as their role in contributing to the vibrant community of Puce.

Dr. Bryan Walls, who now operates the site with his wife Anna, has said the museum is meant to have an impact: “I want visitors to leave this site feeling strong and empowered and ready to change the world.”

The museum is open to the public from May to October, by appointment, but you can learn more about the John Freeman Walls Historic Site and the history of the Underground Railroad at the links and news coverage below:

• The Road the Led to Somewhere (Book by Dr. Bryan Walls)
• Up from Slavery (University of Toronto Magazine)
• John Freeman Walls sought freedom in Canada. 170 years later, his descendants keep his story alive (CBC Video)
• Tour tells story of Black history in southwestern Ontario (CBC Windsor)
• At Ontario Underground Railroad Sites, Farming and Liberty (New York Times)
• Ontario's Lode of Black History (New York Times Archives)