The Journey Back to Birchtown

In the late 18th century, Birchtown, Shelburne Co., was the largest free black community in British North America and the centre of the Black Loyalist experience. Now it is the home of the new Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, a significant addition to the Nova Scotia Museum family.

The heritage centre marked its official opening on Saturday, June 6, with a celebration of music and a recounting of history in The Journey Back to Birchtown.

"We view the opening as a universal invitation to people all over the world to visit the centre and participate in this celebration of community and equality," said the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre's Beverly Cox.

In 1783, over 3,000 Black Loyalists migrated from New York to Birchtown in search of freedom. Port Roseway was the first landing site of the Loyalist fleet that carried 936 free blacks. In addition to Birchtown, they went on to settle in other communities including Annapolis Royal, Fort Cumberland, Port Mouton, Saint John, the Guysborough-Tracadie area and Halifax.

Eight years after their arrival, having struggled against harsh conditions and further discrimination, 1,192 Black Loyalists relocated from Nova Scotia to Sierra Leone. They became known in Sierra Leone as the Nova Scotian settlers and integral to the creation of a new nation by establishing Freetown.

Those who remained in Nova Scotia persevered and developed their own communities, churches and unique culture. They have gained international attention for their achievements and role in the civil rights movement in Canada.

The story of the Black Loyalists has drawn attention in recent years because of The Book of Negroes novel and the popular television miniseries.

Visit the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre's website to learn more.