NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY
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In February in Canada, we observe Black History Month. It was established to honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
In celebration of Black History Month, on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) presents OMAH History Committee member Fred Blair with his talk Local Black Veterans of the War of 1812.
The War of 1812 was declared by the United States against Great Britain, threatening the poorly defended British Colonies to the north. Black men served in local militia regiments and during the first year of the war at least 54 of them volunteered to join the segregated Coloured Corps which fought on the Niagara Frontier.
Some of these Black families had arrived in Ontario with the United Empire Loyalists in the late 1700s. The Coloured Corps was initiated by Private Richard Pierpoint, a Black Loyalist who had served in Butler’s Rangers during the American Revolution.
In 1819, the Black community on Wilberforce Street in Oro Township was initially created to reward veterans of the War of 1812 with land grants. Lots were also granted to men who had immigrated after the war.
In celebration of Black History Month, hear History Committee member Fred Blair, who through extensive research on the War of 1812 militia regiments, is one of the most knowledgeable on the role Black veterans played in that war. Learn new insights into the Black experience of the War of 1812 and the history of some of the Oro veterans.
Click here to register now and receive a link to the talk. Or call Monica at 705-326-2159 or email [email protected]. Admission is free. Donations to OMAH are greatly appreciated.
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