ABOYNE, ON – In celebration of Black Heritage Month, the Wellington County Museum and Archives is pleased to unveil Our Stories. Our History. Our Heritage - A Guelph Black Heritage Society Exhibit. Curated in partnership with Denise L. Francis, President of the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) and Kween, Executive Director of GBHS, this exhibit explores the significant role the GBHS has in advocating for and celebrating Black heritage and culture in Wellington County. Highlighted are items from the GBHS collection.
“The Black community has been in Wellington County since the 1800's,” says Denise L. Francis. “At the GBHS, it is our mission to amplify the voices and share the stories of the people who helped build our community.” This exhibit highlights the past and present accomplishments and acknowledges the resilience and bravery of those that came before.
“It’s not about being in fear of what is to come – but brave for what can change,” says Kween.
Opening Reception: Join us on Saturday, February 4, from 1:30 until 4:00 pm at Wellington County Museum and Archives for music, food, refreshments, and a cash bar. Music supplied by DJ Jinx. Food catered by BigJerk. Royal City Brewing Company is bringing back its Lantern Ale in honour of Black Heritage Month. Admission by donation to GBHS.
“As a cultural centre that values diversity and inclusion, Wellington County Museum and Archives is thrilled to work in partnership with the GBHS and to invite new visitors to explore and reconnect with history,” says Amy Dunlop. “This exhibit is a chance to highlight and support an organization that has worked so diligently to advocate for issues and history for Black Canadians locally and nationally.”
The exhibit runs until July 9, 2023. Wellington County Museum and Archives is located on Wellington Road 18 between Fergus and Elora and is open weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and on weekends from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Admission is by donation. Learn more at www.wellington.ca/GBHS.
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For more information, please contact:
Amy Dunlop, Curatorial Assistant, T 519.846.0916 x 5232, E amyd@wellington.ca