Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Betsy Masson took a stand to mark Harriet Tubman’s local historical ties by recommending a screening of the film Harriet, which was released in November.

At Masson’s request, the film will have five showings from Dec. 12 to Dec. 17 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s Film House.

“I wanted to draw attention to the Salem Chapel on Geneva Street which was founded by Harriet and other blacks in St. Catharines,” Masson said in an email to The Lake Report.

“Last time I visited was eight years ago and was told that there were only 14 members of the church at that point and they were all over 80 years old,” Masson said.

When she looked into the church recently, she said she discovered it no longer gave tours.

“They are very much in need of money for the repairs.”

Masson reached out to NOTL town staff, who then forwarded the request to Sarah Fraser, program and audience co-ordinator for St. Catharines.

Fraser said in an email response that she was “excited” to be screening the film at Masson’s suggestion, noting the local ties to the Salem Chapel British Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Catharines, which appears briefly in the movie.

Harriet will be screened on Dec. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17. Tickets are $9.50 or $7 for children under 13 and Film House member and can be purchased online at the arts centre’s website.