Community invited to fifth annual Emancipation Day Gathering in Canfield as part of Doors Open Haldimand
Heritage Haldimand and Haldimand County invite residents and visitors to attend the fifth annual Emancipation Day Gathering on Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Canfield Community Hall. Presented as part of Doors Open Haldimand, the free, family-friendly event will explore and celebrate Haldimand County’s rich Black history through film screenings, exhibits, guided tours, and a special presentation.
Emancipation Day commemorates the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 coming into force on August 1, 1834, ending the legal enslavement of people throughout the British Empire, including present-day Canada. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on this history, recognize the contributions of Black Canadians, and reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, inclusion and justice.
The Emancipation Day Gathering will feature a variety of activities throughout the day, including:
Canfield Community Hall gathering
At the Canfield Community Hall, visitors can view screenings of Canfield Roots, an internationally acclaimed documentary series by local filmmaker Graeme Bachiu that explores the stories of Black freedom seekers who escaped slavery and settled in Canfield.
The Hall will also feature pop-up exhibits from Haldimand Museums highlighting local Black history and the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the largest Black military unit in Canadian History.
A highlight of the day will be a presentation at 1 p.m. by Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, Assistant Professor of African Canadian History at York University and an award-winning author and educator. Her presentation, “Black Enslavement and the Possibilities of Freedom in the Niagara Peninsula,” will examine the history of slavery in Canada, the contributions of Black Canadians, and the ongoing work of addressing systemic anti-Black racism.
Canfield Black History Walking Tours
Developed by Duane Hedley and Sylvia Weaver, these guided tours explore the lives of Black families who sought freedom via the Underground Railroad and established roots in Canfield. Tours will depart from the Community Hall at 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Self-guided tour materials will also be available.
Visitors can also explore the historic Canfield Cemetery, the final resting place of many early Black settlers and notable community members. Self-guided tours will share the stories of individuals and families who found freedom and built new lives in the community. The cemetery is located at 1 Raglan Street, Canfield.
The Canfield Community Hall is located at 50 Talbot Rd., Canfield. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be provided.
For more information about the Emancipation Day Gathering, please email museums@haldimandcounty.ca.
