Genealogy Club Presentation: Finding 19th Century Black History in Toronto and Beyond
An exciting virtual presentation on African Canadian history by professional genealogist and historian Hillary Dawson. Come and explore this fascinating and diverse history with us while learning how to navigate new records and research methods.
Time & Location
Mar 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Zoom
About the Event
Join us online March 12th at 7:00pm EST for an enlightening presentation exploring the rich and often overlooked history of Black communities in, and beyond, Toronto during the 19th century!
In 1799, when the little Town of York’s population was fewer than 700 people, 25 of them were Black. Some of these African-Canadians were the “property” of enslavers like Peter Russell and William Jarvis; some had fled slavery in the United States; others were Loyalists. By the time of the US Civil War, there were 2,000 or more people of colour living in Toronto, and several Black communities located across Canada West.
African Canadians defended Canada against American invasion during the War of 1812 and fought race-based prejudice to bring about change in politics, business and daily life. They raised families and established businesses, churches and community groups. How do we find out about them? Historian Hilary Dawson will illustrate…