Sheffield Park Black History Museum
EXHIBITS
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BUILDING 1
AFRICAN BEGINNINGS
Begin your journey where it all began...Africa! Move to the rhythmic sounds as you enter the village where the artisans display their talents and the warriors hold their weapons, walk past the kings and queens and experience the market place.
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BUILDING 2
ABOLITIONIST'S HOUSE
Freedom Seekers were often helped by Abolitionists to safe havens via land or water routes. The Underground Railroad was one method of escape from slavery. Railroad terminology was used to pass secret messages to help transport Freedom Seekers to safe havens.
BUILDINGS 3 - 4
RAILROADS & GREAT LAKES
Trains and ships were lifelines for economic reasons as well as for linking communities. Black workers formed family bonds and social strength when docking in various ports and railway stations.
BUILDINGS 5, 6, 7
PIONEER HOME & BARN
LIVERY STABLE
Early settlers began homesteading in rural areas. Various tools, machines and trades were needed for building, farming and other necessities. Many tools & equipment were invented or improved upon by Black inventors.
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BUILDINGS 8,9,10
THE TRADES
Freedom Seekers brought their skills with them. They were contractors, iron workers, carpenters, blacksmiths and more.
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BUILDINGS 11,12,13,14
THE SHOPS
BLACK IN BUSINESSES
Black entrepreneurs opened up their own businesses, catering to the needs of the men and women in the black community. Many became professionals; others opened schools for apprenticeships.
Experience home lifestyles complete with kitchen utensils, bedroom furniture, dining and parlour settings including original furniture from the Davenport House.
BUILDINGS 15,16,17
LIFE & TIMES
THE DAVENPORT HOUSE
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BUILDING 18
THE CHURCH
Black communities built churches as a safe place which gave them comfort, identify and social strength. Churches were also used for political information, educational centers, community support and worship.
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BUILDING 19
MASONIC LODGE
Blacks were not allowed in White Lodges so they formed their own. These lodges were used as a financial and social assistance basis for the Black community.
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BUILDING 20
ONE-ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE
Touch the desks from one of the last segregated Canadian school in Colchester, Ontario, in 1961. Read stories from some of our local school students.
BUILDING 21
THE DOLL HOUSE
Various collections of dolls of colour and culture, from civil war & plantations to international identies and materials
BUILDING 21
BLACK MEMORABILIA
Blacks were protrayed in various unflattering and racial depictions for merchandizing purposes. From postcards and posters to banks and buisness media